Positive Vibes at Center of Florida Citrus Show

By Frank Giles|February 9, 2019

Despite a government shutdown, the Florida Citrus Show celebrated another successful event recently in Ft. Pierce at the Havert L. Fenn Center. With USDA employees on furlough at the time, education program planners scrambled to find replacements to fill their speaking slots during the day-and-a-half event.

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From crop inputs, nurseries, technology, and irrigation to equipment and financial services, the Florida Citrus Show tradeshow floor was packed with most all the things growers need to produce a successful crop.

Photos by Frank Giles
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Growers were in good spirits and eager to learn during the show’s well-attended education sessions.
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Pat Schirard, President of the Indian River Citrus League, welcomed attendees to the 2019 Florida Citrus Show, noting the event was a unique opportunity for growers to network and learn about the research aimed at keeping growers economically viable in the age of HLB.
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Even though the government shutdown kept USDA from setting up a variety display at the 2019 Florida Citrus Show, UF/IFAS citrus breeders were on hand to dish out plenty of tasty, new selections.
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Fred Gmitter, a Professor of horticultural sciences with UF/IFAS, provided attendees an update on the latest developments in rootstocks and varieties. He noted that among the many lines in development, there are a number that show promise in tolerance to HLB, along with other attributes needed to make a successful launch.
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Rick Dantzler, the new COO of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, addressed Citrus Show attendees for the first time in his new post with the organization. He said he brings to the job an appreciation of the demand from growers to focus the foundation’s funding on applied research.
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After a busy first day, a cocktail reception sponsored by FMC, Florida Coast Equipment, and Trademark Nitrogen gave attendees another networking opportunity. During the reception, a drawing was held for a painting by Florida Highwaymen artist Kelvin Hair (left). Nate Jameson (right) of Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery was the lucky winner.

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They were successful, and the show didn’t miss a beat, providing growers with the latest research on fruitful citrus production in the era of HLB. With citrus groves looking better after being battered by Hurricane Irma, the show was a welcome respite to take stock and plan for the future.

Scroll through the slideshow above for a few sights, scenes, and factoids from this year’s event, which was coordinated by Florida Grower magazine in partnership with UF/IFAS, Indian River Citrus League, and USDA.