Public Comments Remains Open for Fresh Citrus Shipping Rules

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

The public comment period for the new fresh citrus shipping rules proposed by USDA remains open until the end of August, at which time Florida growers hope the rules will be approved to move ahead without undue delays. Meanwhile, Riverfront Packing’s Dan Richey in Vero Beach says these new rule proposals are the culmination of a great deal of work …

Citrus Expo Plans in Final Stages/Huge Crowd Expected Aug 19-20

Gary Cooper Citrus, Citrus Expo News

With last year’s blowout of Citrus Expo thanks to an untimely tropical storm, coupled with ongoing HLB research that is constantly uncovering new tidbits of useful information for growers in the field, Citrus Expo is expected to turnout one of the largest crowds of growers and industry leaders in its 18 year history, weather-permitting. This audio file is a simple …

Citrus Expo Brings Largest Issue in Years for Citrus Industry Magazine

Gary Cooper Citrus, Citrus Expo News, Florida, International

Growers who soon receive their August issue of Citrus Industry Magazine will notice it is much thicker than usual. The August issue is by far the largest issue published since Southeast AgNet bought the 85-year-old magazine business in mid-2005. Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff, editor of the magazine, has details in this report. A big reason is this year’s Citrus Expo.

CEU Credits Confirmed for Both Days of Citrus Expo 2009 Seminars

Gary Cooper Citrus, Citrus Expo News, Florida, General

Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) have been approved for both days of CITRUS EXPO 2009 SEMINARS. There will be 4 CEU credits offered for the day’s seminars on Wednesday August 19th, and 4.5 CEU Credits offered for Thursday’s seminars August 20, 2009. This year’s seminars are largely focused on the very latest research reports on citrus psyllid and HLB control methods …

Laurel Wilt Disease Confirmed on Homestead Avocado Sample

Gary Cooper Alabama, FL Commissioner Report, Florida, General, Georgia, Specialty Crops

TALLAHASSEE – (FDACS)- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced the confirmation of laurel wilt disease in an avocado sample from Homestead. This find represents the first laurel wilt confirmation in a commercial avocado-growing area. “This find is alarming for the avocado industry,” Bronson said. “Since laurel wilt disease was first found in North Florida, the …

Federal Citrus Research Grant Helps Fund HLB Effort

Dan Citrus, Florida

Florida Citrus Mutual announces a $2 million federal grant for HLB – or citrus greening – research. The organization says the funding will help relieve some of the pressure to fund disease research through grower box tax dollars collected by the Florida Department of Citrus or the Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council. Ernie Neff reports.