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Citrus Under Protective Screen Tech at Heart of New Agritourism Destination

Avatar for Paul Rusnak Posted by Paul Rusnak|October 9, 2025
Golden Ridge Groves citrus under protective screen

A drone’s-eye-view of Golden Ridge Groves’ Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) facility. The Central Florida farm is featuring the CUPS facility as part of its agritourism lineup.
Image courtesy of Golden Ridge Groves

Initiative Image

Golden Ridge Groves and Market in Alturas, FL, is set to blaze a new trail. The Central Florida-based, third-generation family farm is endeavoring to open next month as state’s first U-pick agritourism destination employing Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) technology. This innovative crop production approach aims to combat citrus greening disease and promote sustainable citrus farming.

CUPS technology involves growing citrus trees under protective screens to exclude the Asian citrus psyllid, the notorious vector of HLB (Huanglongbing), also known as citrus greening disease. CUPS systems have demonstrated the ability to produce disease-free, high-quality fruit, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by Florida’s citrus industry.

RELATED CONTENT: Longtime Florida Ag Influencers Go Back to the Future With New Citrus Endeavor

According to the farm, initial crops offered will include ruby grapefruit, Valencia and Vernia oranges, as well as strawberries. Between November and March, sunflowers will be available for picking and photo opportunities. Blueberries also will be offered in-season.

Founded by Katie and Shane Bevilacqua, the retail area for Golden Ridge Groves will feature fresh-squeezed juices, homemade ice cream and milkshakes, Florida-grown produce, including jams and jellies, and gift fruit shipping services. Farm tours and tastings will also be available to visitors.

Owners of Golden Ridge Groves and Market inside CUPS facility

Katie and Shane Bevilacqua (right) are gearing up for the opening of their immersive farm experience in Alturas, FL. On the left are Katie’s folks, Jerry and Pam Mixon.
Photo courtesy of Golden Ridge Groves and Market

Golden Ridge Groves plans to provide a variety of seasonal U-pick experiences, tours, a behind-the-scenes juicer experience, fruit sampling, a fresh market, and more.

Golden Ridge Groves and Market is scheduled for its grand opening on Nov. 20.

For more information, visit GoldenRidgeGroves.com.

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CEAg World addresses the market trends, challenges, innovations and business implications for the controlled environment industry through in-depth coverage and conversations with emerging and leading perspectives across the ecosystem. It brings thought leadership and context to the expanding global business of growing food under cover and the connective tissues that facilitate its viability and acceleration. Learn more about CEAg World here >

Paul Rusnak is the Senior Multimedia Specialist for Meister Media Worldwide's Specialty Crops Division, which consists of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower, all Meister Media brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.