The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is quickly approaching. The event is scheduled for Aug. 21–22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
The Expo’s educational program will cover a lot of bases. The general session the morning of Aug. 21 will feature several presenters, including Chef Justin Timineri speaking about the Fresh From Florida program and how it is promoting fresh fruit and vegetables grown by Florida specialty crop producers.
The general session also will include a conversation with the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Tori Rumenik about the ongoing farm bill debate. She’ll discuss where the legislation currently stands and the specialty crop priorities for which the industry is advocating.
A grower panel will feature how farms in Central Florida are connecting directly with consumers through retail markets, u-picks and other methods. With large population centers like Orlando and Tampa, the area is a prime location to link farms with consumers.
The general session will conclude with an ag policy panel discussion moderated by Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. Panel participants include Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Rep. Danny Alvarez and Sen. Jay Collins.
The Expo’s trade show will include a large variety of exhibitors for growers to visit and learn more about products and services needed on the farm. Breaks between seminars will allow attendees ample time to network with their peers.
The afternoon of Aug. 21 and morning of Aug. 22 will feature seminars on citrus production and a renewed sense of optimism now that new tools are available to growers to fight HLB.
Don’t miss the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo!