april

Sneak Peek: April 2024 Citrus Industry

Daniel CooperSneak Peek

See what’s new in citrus in the April issue of Citrus Industry magazine. In this month’s cover story, an established company gets a new name. As the next generation joins the business, learn how DLF International has transitioned to Feek Family Citrus in Fort Pierce, Florida. Trying new things and carefully monitoring costs are a few of the ways this …

red sea

Red Sea Disruptions Hit Egyptian Citrus Exports

Daniel CooperInternational, Shipping

Attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial vessels have resulted in many shipping companies rerouting away from two of the world’s busiest shipping routes — the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Egyptian citrus exports have been part of the global trade and supply chain that has been disrupted by the attacks. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign …

streptomycin

EPA Updates Streptomycin Uses on Citrus

Daniel CooperLegal, Pesticides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 3 provided an update on streptomycin uses on citrus. The update followed the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ December 2023 decision that vacated the 2021 registration amendments for streptomycin because of the agency’s failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The 2021 amendments added a time-limited use on citrus crop …

Australian citrus industry

Increasing Australian Citrus Export Demand

Daniel CooperExport, International

With production gains projected in coming seasons, the Australian citrus industry has instituted a plan to increase demand overseas. A $5.3 million market development and quality program is being delivered through Hort Innovation and led by Citrus Australia. Its intent is to ensure the Australian citrus industry remains well-informed, profitable and able to supply quality fruit reliably and sustainably to …

2025 Seminar Program

HomeAttendSeminarsHotelExhibitSponsorThe seminar planning committee is currently planning the 2026 seminar program. More information will be available soon.Seminar schedule times are subject to change.Wednesday, April 3, 20248:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Registration at Trade Show EntranceDon’t wait in line, pre-register today!8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Breakfast in Trade Show Hall8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Trade Show OpenVisit exhibitor …

Medfly

California Fruit Fly Quarantines Expanded Again

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Pests, Regulation

Agriculture officials expanded the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis/OFF) quarantine in California’s San Bernardino and Riverside counties on Dec. 22, 2023. On Dec. 27, 2023 and Jan. 17, 2024, they expanded the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata/Medfly) quarantine in Los Angeles County. The actions were taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) …

Citrus Showcase

Citrus Showcase Coming to California

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Events

California Citrus Mutual (CCM) will host the 2024 Citrus Showcase on March 14 at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, California. The event will feature informational workshops, continuing education unit-approved courses, a trade show and an industry luncheon. The luncheon keynote speaker will be California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.  “We are extremely pleased to have a …

florida citrus show

The Florida Citrus Show Is a Month Away!

Daniel CooperEvents, FCS24

Citrus and specialty crop growers are invited to gather on April 3 in Fort Pierce at the Florida Citrus Show. The event takes place at the Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S Horticultural Research Laboratory. The trade show and breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m. Take the time to network with exhibitors before the general session begins at …

Israeli citrus

Production of Israeli Citrus to Decline

Daniel CooperCrop Forecast, International

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) reported that production of all Israeli citrus varieties is forecast to decline in 2023–24 compared to the previous season. Israel’s planted citrus area is forecast to be 16,200 hectares, the same as the prior year. USDA FAS reported that low profitability and water shortages have disincentivized farmers from planting new …

Put Research Results to Work

Morgan ColeEvents, FCS24

At the Florida Citrus Show, growers will learn the latest research results that they can put to work in their groves. Doug Bournique, executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League, encourages growers to attend the event to hear research straight from the source. The Florida Citrus Show is hosted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and …

How to Enhance Pre-emergent Herbicide Performance

Daniel CooperTip of the Week, weeds

By Ramdas Kanissery and Robert Riefer Pre-emergent herbicides, also known as residual herbicides, are highly effective in the long-term suppression of weeds in citrus tree rows. These herbicides remain in the soil and prevent susceptible weeds from germinating. In order to achieve the best weed control results, pre-emergent herbicides need to stay within approximately the top 5 inches of soil, …

South African Lemon/Lime Production to Jump

Tacy CalliesCrop Forecast, International, lemons

South African lemon and lime production in 2023–24 will increase by 10% compared to the prior year, to 720,000 metric tons (MT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) forecast. ACREAGE The area planted with lemons/limes in South Africa has more than doubled over the past seven years, driven by global demand and rising global prices. However, …

U.S. Citrus Popular in China; Private Labels Grow

Tacy CalliesChina, Marketing

In a recent report on China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) included sections titled “U.S. Citrus” and “Private Label Citrus – A New Trend in China.” Those sections are copied below. U.S. CITRUSU.S. citrus products enjoy a good reputation in the China market because of the premium quality and healthy benefits. Sunkist brand is well …

citrus greening

New Light Shed on HLB and Fertilization

Tacy CalliesHLB Management, Nutrition

The effort to help huanglongbing (HLB)-impacted citrus trees has taken another step forward. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study examined the relationship between fertilization, root health and fruit yield. Researchers focused on Valencia orange trees with HLB. Associate Professor Davie Kadyampakeni led the effort at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. The study, …

Citrus Congress

Australia Is Key Market for U.S. Fresh Fruit

Tacy CalliesExport/Import, International, Trade

Australia is a crucial market for U.S. citrus and other fresh fruits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). A recent report from the agency says the United States has benefited from a well-established reputation for producing safe, quality fruit. The report suggests ways U.S. fruit exporters can access the Australian market.   Demand for …

Good Times, Good Food, Great Company

Morgan ColeEvents

Get ready to tailgate at the Florida Citrus Show! This one-of-a-kind event is returning to the Treasure Coast on April 3. In between seminar sessions, the trade show will become a tailgate party that you won’t want to miss. The day will kick off with breakfast and coffee in the tailgate hub. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk the …

citrus forecast

Aging Farmers Contribute to Japan’s Citrus Downtrend

Daniel CooperCrop Forecast, International

Japan’s citrus planted area and production are on a long-term downward trend. Reasons cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) are aging farmers, labor shortages and a lack of successors for running farms. In a December annual report, USDA FAS summarized production, planted area and trade for each of Japan’s citrus varieties. TANGERINES/MANDARINS After a …