Ocala, FL — Southeast AgNet Publications Inc. announced the acquisition of Florida Science Source Inc., a citrus book publishing and reseller operation. It bought the business from founder Will Wardowski and his wife Christie.
Wardowski is well known in citrus circles all over the world as a post-harvest expert. He was the first editor of Fresh Citrus Fruits 1st edition, published in New York in 1986. Known to citrus packers as “The Green Bible,” Fresh Citrus Fruits 1st and 2nd editions include more than 40 authors from around the world.
After working 31 years in Florida’s citrus industry, Wardowski retired as the statewide fresh fruit Extension specialist in July 2000 from the University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center. In retirement, the Wardowskis are spending more time in North Carolina and finding it difficult to carry an adequate supply of books with them.
“My goal was to find someone who knows citrus and citrus people, and who also appreciates publishing and education,” says Wardowski. “I am pleased that we found those people in Gary Cooper and Robin Loftin.”
Cooper, president of Southeast AgNet Publications, says, “The opportunity presented itself and we found it to be a very good fit for our company, considering our audience-reach capabilities to people involved in the citrus universe globally. It will allow us to provide another depth of service, both to the citrus audience as well as to authors seeking a place to publish books targeting the citrus and specialty crops industries.”
Florida Science Source will retain its name and operate as a division of Southeast AgNet Publications, which also publishes two monthly magazines, Citrus Industry and Florida Pest Pro. Approximately 40 titles are available in the Florida Science Source inventory, including Florida Citrus Diagnostic Guide, Fresh Citrus Fruits 2nd edition, E-Commerce in Agribusiness, and more. Books will be available for sale soon at www.southeastagnet.com. For additional information on the book collection, contact
fssource@southeastagnet.com
.