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 …
PIECES OF THE PAST: Polk County Roots Run Deep
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette I was honored this year to be part of the Vero Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum’s “Deeply Rooted” event, which was the kick-off for Indian River County’s Centennial Celebration. It made me think of this year’s Florida Citrus Hall of Fame inductees. They all have something in common with deep roots — Polk County! …
Florida Citrus Show: A Successful Grower Gathering
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show united the specialty crop industry, informed farmers about trends impacting citrus and vegetables and prepared them for the upcoming season. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy tailgating treats that were prominent at the trade show. It was an impactful event, says Morgan Assaf, Florida Citrus Show organizer for AgNet Media. “We …
What to Know Before You Go
SHOW ADDRESS The Florida Citrus Show will be held in the parking lot between the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (2199 South Rock Road) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS, 2001 South Rock Road) in Fort Pierce. PARKING Show parking …
Last Chance to Preregister for the Florida Citrus Show
Online preregistration for the Florida Citrus Show closes on Sunday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. The event is a great day of networking, learning, food and fun. THE PROGRAM Between the morning general session and breakout seminars dedicated to citrus and vegetables, there’s a lot to learn. Check out the full program here. CEUs AVAILABLE Attendees of the citrus seminar …
Quarantine Updates: HLB in Mississippi; Mexfly in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) recently announced a quarantine for huanglongbing (HLB) in Mississippi as well as updates to Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantines in Texas. HLB APHIS, in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, established a quarantine for the entire state of Mississippi for HLB. The action was taken …
Florida Citrus Show: A Day Full of Activities
The Florida Citrus Show is coming up fast. For many, it’s an annual tradition. For those who have never attended, come prepared to experience a full day packed with fun and education. Here is a quick summary of what the event includes: THE EDUCATION The day kicks off with a general session tackling topics that touch all of specialty crop …
California’s Citrus Showcase Set for March 12
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is inviting growers and allied agricultural industry members to the 2025 Citrus Showcase March 12 at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, California. The event will feature informational seminars, free continuing education unit-approved courses, a trade show and an industry luncheon. The event’s morning session will feature Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at …
South African Soft Citrus Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) forecasts that 2024–25 production of South African tangerines/mandarins (also known as soft citrus) will increase by 3% from the prior year to 790,000 metric tons (MT). Growers have been putting up hail nets, which are expected to support both yield and fruit quality. PLANTED AREA AND CULTIVARS USDA FAS expects that …





























