FL Growers Urged To Be Involved in Free Rider Talks

Another set of feature reports about what Florida growers are trying to do about the “Free Rider” issue. In these reports, former Florida Citrus Commission chairman Andy Taylor and current chairman Ben Albritton, Jr, offer comments about why Florida growers want something done about it and why growers need to be involved in the discussions themselves. Report (2:00 mp3) Report …

90 Years of Citrus Research Celebrated at UF/CREC

University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center at Lake Alfred celebrates its 90th anniversary with about 400 people gathering for tours and a luncheon. Ribbon cutting for a new citrus pathology lab, and re-dedication of a refurbished Ben Hill Griffin Citrus Hall were also featured. In the first report, comments from UF Vice President for Agriculture Affairs, Dr. Jimmy …

“Greening” Research Brings Texas Citrus Visitors to Florida

A small group of growers and citrus researchers from Texas is visiting the Sunshine State this week, on a mission to learn more about the status of citrus “greening” in Florida. They also want to learn how best to handle it if and/or when it arrives in Texas citrus groves. In the first of these two reports, comments from Texas …

USDA-APHIS Changes “Greening” Quarantine Zone

“Steps Taken to Control Citrus Problem” USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a federal order expanding the citrus greening quarantine zone in Florida. At the same time, the service significantly increased the number of states and territories quarantined due to the presence of the Asian citrus psyllid. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary …

Fl Citrus Growers Push to Tap “Free Riders”

More comments about the “Free Rider” issue, as Florida growers and industry interests put the push on to find answers, and tap new sources for additional funds from sources who benefit from the marketing efforts presently paid for exclusively by Florida growers. In this report, comments from former Florida Citrus Commission Chairman, Andy Taylor, Peace River Citrus Products. Report (2:00 …

Ag Secretary Relationship Important for Citrus

In the first report, comments from Florida Congressman Adam Putnam about the need for the U S Secretary of Agriculture to have a good understanding of, and relationship with, the citrus industry. In the second report, Putnam comments on the progress of the Farm Bill and how specialty crop interests need to keep the pressure on to get their improved …

FL Packers Look For New Fresh Rule

With the Florida citrus harvest getting underway, Florida growers of fresh citrus want to know what the rules will be as soon as possible in terms of shipping fruit out-of-state. In this report, Richard Kinney of Florida Citrus Packers Association has some insight on the expected timeline. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary …

FDOC & Commission Pressing the “Free Rider” Issue

These reports feature coverage of this week’s meetings at the Florida Department of Citrus, with comments from Citrus Commission Chairman Ben Albritton, Jr. Report (2:00 mp3) Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists …

“Free Riders” Fix Options Being Discussed Around Industry

In this report, CEO Mike Sparks of Florida Citrus Mutual discusses efforts at the Florida Department of Citrus to fix the “Free Riders” issue. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the …

Citrus Research Progress Update

In this report, comments from Dr Harold Browning, Director of the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, about the latest progress on the citrus research front. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong …