A New Kind of Florida Citrus Show Is on Tap

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|December 31, 2021

The Florida Citrus Show has been a go-to event for the state’s citrus producers over the years. The show will return to its normal time slot in 2022, slated for Jan. 26-27 at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Ft. Pierce, after COVID-19 disruptions this year postponed the event until May.

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Dr. Scott Angle, the Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Florida, was on hand to welcome attendees as the show opened. He reiterated the commitment UF/IFAS brings to finding solutions to the HLB problem.
Photo by Frank Giles
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There was plenty to see on the trade show floor like this Global Unmanned Spraying System (GUSS, for short) robot. This totally automated sprayer is already in use in some Florida groves. It was on display at the Everglades Ag Equipment booth.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Doug Bournique, Executive Director of the Indian River Citrus League, greeted attendees and said there is good reason for optimism about the future of Florida citrus, citing promising research and innovative growing practices in the grove.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Aisles were widened on the trade show floor to provide room for distancing due to COVID-19, but it stayed busy with traffic.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Dr. Rhuanito “Johnny” Ferrarezi leads the Indian River Research and Education Center's citrus horticulture research and Extension program. He also is the education program Chair for the Florida Grower Citrus Show. He welcomed attendees and outlined the extensive education program presented at the event.
Photo by Frank Giles
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The 2021 Florida Grower Citrus Show had limited capacity due to COVID-19, but nearly reached is max of 500 attendees. Education sessions were well-attended during the event.
Photo by Frank Giles
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UF/IFAS had educational materials galore on hand at its booth.
Photo by Frank Giles

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This year’s show will be celebrating the theme of “We Believe in Florida Citrus” and will feature some changes to the education program aimed at bringing growers more into the discussion. While half of the education program will feature recent research work conducted by UF/IFAS and USDA, the other half will focus on of what growers are a currently working with in the field. There will be several panel discussions comprised whereof growers can focus focused on several hot topics within the industry. Panels will include: a CRAFT program grower panel; a grower discussion on managing fruit drop; and a grower conversation on using modern SAP analysis to fine-tune nutrition programs.

Other panels will include a discussion on successful water stewardship cost-share collaborations. In addition, a panel comprised of industry suppliers will cover how currently available products and technologies can be deployed in the grove today to improve production.

Opening Session

The opening session will focus on key industry issues facing Florida citrus. Dr. Scott Angle, Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for UF/IFAS, will kick off the event off with a welcoming statement and an update from the university. Tory Rumenik, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association’s Commodity Services and Supply Chain Manager, will speak about current supply chain issues impacting Florida agriculture. Florida Department of Citrus economist Dr. Marisa Zansler will give an update on market conditions.

Focused on Fruit Drop

After lunch on Thursday, the education program will turn to managing fruit drop. Panels and UF/IFAS researchers will address the problem that has plagued groves in recent years. Attendees will hear from growers on approaches they have deployed in groves to manage the problem, whether it be fine tuning nutrition programs, fungicide regimes, or other techniques.