A newly announced 30% tariff on South African citrus exports to the United States, set to take effect Aug. 1, has drawn sharp backlash from agricultural stakeholders and trade experts. As part of a broader enforcement action targeting 14 countries, this move places South Africa in a precarious economic position — despite its historically open trade relationship with the United …
Snail Poses Threat to Australian Citrus
The Bulimulus sporadicus snail that has caused serious issues in Florida citrus groves by blocking sprinkler jets and drip emitters has been detected in Australia. Staff working at an Approved Arrangement (AA) site at the Port of Brisbane recently reported a suspected detection of B. sporadicus, also known as B. bonariensis, ghost snail or peanut snail. Following the AA report, …
One Big Beautiful Bill a Win for Florida Farmers
President Trump on July 4 signed into law One Big Beautiful Bill, a budget and tax package with major implications for agriculture. For Florida farmers, ranchers and rural communities, the bill delivers meaningful wins across the board, Florida Farm Bureau stated. The wins include long-term funding for the Farm Bill, pro-growth tax relief and reforms to federal nutrition programs that …
Florida Citrus Mutual Installs Officers and Directors
Citrus grower trade association Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) installed its board of directors and officers at the association’s 77th annual meeting. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June. The officers are: In addition, FCM staff members Matt Joyner, Melanie Burns and Kevin Metheny will serve as executive vice president, executive secretary and …
BeSure! To Protect Pollinators
Growing Matters recently launched its annual BeSure! stewardship awareness campaign. Pollinators play a vital role within ecosystems and the food supply. Applicators and growers alike play a crucial role in utilizing proper stewardship practices during the growing season and beyond. Here are a few best practices to protect pollinators: USE NEONICOTINOIDS PROPERLY Neonicotinoid insecticides are used because of their selective …
Argentine Ant Management Innovations
Native to South America, Argentine ants were introduced to California in 1905. Today, 90% of Southern California and coastal orchards are infested with ants. Some trees experience up to 1 million ant visits per day. Ivan Milosavljević, Citrus Research Board (CRB) entomologist, presented that information in a June 17 webinar that was part of CRB’s Grower Seminar Series. His presentation …
Trends Shaping Australia’s Orange Market
According to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, Australia’s orange market size is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.2% between 2025 and 2034. The Australia Orange Market Forecast 2025–2034 report attributes this to the growing number of health-conscious consumers seeking nutrient-rich foods and beverages. The increasing shift toward natural and functional foods has boosted the demand …
Citrus Black Spot Spreads to More Florida Counties
Citrus black spot (CBS) quarantines have been established for the first time in Florida’s DeSoto and Highlands counties. In addition, sections of other counties have been added to the existing CBS quarantine in Florida. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo to Feature Inspirational Speaker
The 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will feature a special speaker and inspirational message from retired Battalion Commander Jack Oehm of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). Oehm was a battalion chief who first arrived at Ground Zero after both World Trade Center towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001. It was a tragic day for Oehm, the …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Power Panel to Address the Big Ag Issues
There is a lot happening in the world of specialty crops that impact growers’ business operations. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will host a panel discussion with the leaders of three associations to tackle those topics. The panel will include Mike Joyner, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Chris Butts, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Matt Joyner, Florida …
The Australia-Japan Citrus Partnership
Australia’s Hort Innovation recently provided an update on the citrus partnership between Japan and Australia. Australia is the No. 1 citrus import partner for Japan, holding a 27% market share. This figure has grown steadily since 2021 (20%). The partnership between Australia and Japan is highly complementary and counter-seasonal, allowing both countries to support each other’s markets effectively. Japan is …
Citrus Disease Research Funding Applauded
Three citrus grower associations applauded Chairman GT Thompson and the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for including critical funding for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in the recent budget reconciliation draft. The associations were California Citrus Mutual (CCM), Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) and Texas Citrus Mutual (TCM). The investment represents a vital commitment to the long-term health and …
Registration Now Open for the 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
Registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The event takes place Aug. 20–21at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Growers and industry professionals are invited to sign up now for complimentary registration to this two-day event filled with education, networking and innovation. Hosted by AgNet Media, the Expo is Florida’s premier event for …
Indian Market Opens for Brazilian Citrus
The recent conclusion of negotiations between the governments of Brazil and India formalized the opening of the Indian market for the export of Brazilian citrus products. This includes Tahiti limes, Sicilian lemons, sweet oranges, tangerines and similar products. The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) called the agreement “a strategic achievement for the sector.” It reported …
New Insights Into OJ Demand
By Marisa L. Zansler One-hundred percent orange juice (OJ) has long been a favorite in American households, but supply challenges, changing consumer behaviors, a crowded beverage category and higher prices have impacted how much OJ consumers buy. Recent research conducted by Sungeun Yoon sheds light on consumer price sensitivity and substitution behaviors within the category, offering actionable insights for growers, …
Turkish Lemon Export Ban Lifted After Objections
Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade (MOT) temporarily banned lemon exports April 8 because of a predicted weather-induced shortage but lifted the ban days later following negative reactions from lemon producers and exporters. The MOT imposed the ban in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry following a cold snap that caused frost damage across several areas of the country. According …
Where Is the Farm Labor Funding?
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) recently urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate a halt in federal funds to farmers to help address critical labor shortages and reduce irregular migration from Northern Central American countries. The request was in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Last year, USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot …
Two Texas Mexfly Quarantines Expanded
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recently expanded two Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantines in Texas. This includes the Harlingen-Sebastian Mexfly quarantine in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties, and the Brownsville Mexfly quarantine in Cameron County. HARLINGEN-SEBASTIAN QUARANTINE The Harlingen-Sebastian quarantine has been increased by 68 square …
Senate Bill Would Prohibit Fresh Citrus From China
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida on March 31 introduced the United States Citrus Protection Act, which would prohibit the importation of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit from China. Scott stated the bill would further protect American jobs, ensure the integrity of domestic agriculture and reduce reliance on goods produced by regimes that pose a threat to the United States. …
Forecast for Japanese Citrus
Production and trade of Japanese citrus was detailed in a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) report. GRAPEFRUIT Japan produces negligible amounts of grapefruit. However, it produces several domestic and unique pomelo or grapefruit-like citrus varieties such as buntan, a type of pomelo. These grapefruit-like varieties are popular among elderly consumers in Japan. The harvested area …