Citrus Industry eNews: Citrus Labor Update; JD Alexander Profile

Tacy Callies Citrus, Florida

This Citrus Industry eNews Exclusive masthead represents the electronic newsletter now being sent weekly to growers and industry If you would like to receive this eNews directly via e-mail, please subscribe here.

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Mike Carlton

Carson Futch

DON’T MISS THIS
Florida Citrus Labor Update: Availability, E-Verify and H-2A
A lack of harvesting labor plagued Florida’s citrus industry last year. So far this season, growers and harvesters say enough labor has been available. Harvester Carson Futch, president of P & H Solutions, discusses this season’s labor situation. Hear Futch’s report. Also, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Director of Labor Relations Mike Carlton discusses a wide array of labor issues impacting Florida’s citrus industry, including E-Verify and the H-2A guest worker program.

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HAVE YOU HEARD?
Click on the links below to read or hear the stories.
JD Alexander: Respected, Feared and Despised
FDA Says No to Testing OJ Imports at Single Strength
Carbendazim Update: 1 New OJ Import Sample is Positive
New Abscission Chemical Target Date for Florida Citrus
Brazilians Say No International Trade Dispute over OJ
Mixon Publishes Memoirs
Proposed Budget Would Ax Some Produce Practices
Consumers, Experts on Fungicide Concerns, Juice Sales
USDA’s Save Our Citrus Program Uses Social Media
Australian Citrus Growers Angered by Brazilian Backflip
California: Frost Harms 15% of Valley Citrus
Jamaica Moves to Control Citrus Greening
European Union: Difficult Citrus Market

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Jim Syvertsen

ON THE HORIZON
April Harvesting Seminar Set; Advantages for Citrus Addressed
An international mechanical harvesting seminar is slated for Lake Alfred’s Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in early April. CREC Professor Jim Syvertsen, chairman of the symposium’s organizing committee, offers seminar information and urges Florida citrus growers to register and attend. He also discusses the advantages of mechanical harvesting for citrus. Listen to his report.

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800-628-6196 www.oxbocorp.com

Karen Mathis

FROM THE FIELD
Florida Grapefruit Exhibiting in Orlando Area Feb. 24-25
Sampling of fresh Florida grapefruit and grapefruit juice will be part of Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo this weekend at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Orlando. Hear the scoop from Florida Department of Citrus spokesperson Karen Mathis.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 24-25 Sampling of fresh Florida grapefruit and grapefruit juice at Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo, Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Kissimmee

Feb. 27-28 Pesticide License Training for the CORE, Private, Ag Tree Crop, Ag Row Crop, and Aquatic categories, Hendry County Extension Office, LaBelle, contact Debra at 863-674-4092

Feb. 28 Citrus Research and Development Foundation board of directors meeting, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred

March 1 Mid Florida Citrus Foundation Field Day, A.H. Krezdorn Research Grove, Winter Garden

Contact Brenda Eubanks Burnette at 561-351-4314 or BBurne1003@aol.com regarding these March 2-3 events:
March 2 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Induction Luncheon followed by Florida Citrus Processors’ “Meet & Greet” Reception and Florida Citrus Archives Open House & Citrus Crate Label Show & Sale, Florida Southern College, Lakeland
March 2 “Florida Cracker” Barn Bash honoring UF/FSC citrus alumni and friends, Young’s Barn, Alturas
March 3 “Just Juiced” Golf Outing, Lake Region Country Club, Winter Haven
March 3 “Queen for a Day” Lunch & Fashion Show honoring former Florida Citrus Queens and women in the industry, Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven
March 3 Golden Jubilee Gala honoring Florida citrus pioneers and their families, Nora Mayo Hall, Florida Citrus Building, Winter Haven

March 7 Citrus Research and Education Foundation Field Day, Lake Placid Grove, contact Jane Wilson at wilsonmj@ufl.edu or 863-956-8643 for required preregistration

March 8 Annual Meeting of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, contact Ray Royce at rroyce@hccga.com for required reservations

March 13 Citrus Black Spot Workshop, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, contact Mongi Zekri at 863-674-4092 or maz@ufl.edu for required preregistration

March 15 Annual Citrus Engineering Conference, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred

April 2-4 International Symposium on Mechanical Harvesting & Handling Systems of Fruits and Nuts, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred

Send your event info to enewsoffice@southeastagnet.com