Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Citrus”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, emphasized major wins in the Florida Legislature’s 2026/2027 budget. Commissioner Simpson said, ““This year’s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida’s farmers — the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources. Florida …
Citrus fruits are now a major part of agriculture across the United States, especially in states like Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas. But the history of oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits stretches back thousands of years to ancient civilizations and early global trade routes. According to agricultural historians, the exact origin of citrus fruits cannot be precisely identified. …
Time is running out to take advantage of hotel savings for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The early-bird rate at the host hotel expires May 1, so attendees will want to book soon to lock in the lower price. The Expo will take place Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Each year, the …
Citrus fruits are a staple of modern agriculture, found in kitchens, grocery stores, and farms across the United States. But their origins stretch back thousands of years and span continents, cultures, and trade routes. In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the fascinating journey of citrus—from ancient beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of American agriculture. The Mysterious Origins …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural producers can now apply for hurricane disaster relief for 2023 and 2024. The Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program will provide over $600 million in grant funding in which the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says can, “assist with infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss, and timber damage …
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, set for Aug. 12–13. The event is returning with several upgrades designed to improve the experience for citrus and specialty crop growers, exhibitors and industry partners. EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION The 2026 Expo is relocating back to Fort Myers, Florida, but at a new location. The event will be held at …
Florida Producers Eligible for Hurricane Disaster Relief Funds Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural producers across the state who were impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024 may now apply for hurricane disaster relief funds. The funding will be distributed through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Program to assist eligible producers with losses tied to infrastructure …
Florida Agriculture Braces for Rare Winter Storm As a powerful winter storm—forecast as a potential bomb cyclone—moves toward Florida this weekend, state agriculture leaders are warning of significant impacts to farmers and producers across the state. In response, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has formally requested swift federal action to support producers facing potential losses. Simpson Requests USDA Disaster …
By Robin Loftin In 2023, when the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was forced to leave the Lee Civic Center and Fort Myers, AgNet Media shared your disappointment. Like many of you, we hoped and prayed that one day we would have the opportunity to return. Today, we are thrilled to announce that those prayers have been answered. The 2026 …
In a major policy shift to support American citrus growers, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, MD, MPH, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins have announced a proposed rule to update the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice. This move would end a 60-year-old regulation that many say disadvantages domestic producers and fuels dependency on foreign imports. The proposed …
