The annual Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was once again a sweet success for AgNet Media, organizer of the show. The event was held on Aug. 21–22 in Tampa.
Farmers and allied industry members flocked to the Florida State Fairgrounds to learn about research pertaining to citrus production and timely topics affecting citrus and specialty crop growers.
Josh McGill, AgNet Media show organizer, talked about this year’s show.
“We were excited to see all of the faces and grower representation this year. Based on the preregistration numbers, it looks like we had about 350,000 acres of citrus, vegetables and specialty crops represented here,” McGill said. “We had a great show and some excellent seminars. The exhibitors brought out their best and had a lot of good equipment on the floor. A lot of interactions took place, and it was good to get the industry together.”
This was the second straight year the show was held in Tampa, which served as a convenient central location for citrus growers who came from Florida’s traditional citrus-growing areas as well as those from the cold-hardy citrus region.
“We were excited to have the show back in Tampa this year. It’s a nice location here at the state fairgrounds. We saw a little bit more growers coming down from South Georgia and North Florida,” McGill said. “That seems to be one area where citrus is expanding. It has been a good partnership with them and good to be at the Florida State Fairgrounds to spread the word on Florida agriculture.”
AgNet Media is just so thankful for the opportunity to be able to host this event. Without the support from our sponsors and exhibitors we wouldn’t be able to make this show possible. And without the growers, who take time out of their busy schedules to be here, we wouldn’t have a show. We are truly thankful for this great industry and the chance to serve the farmers who sacrifice every day to keep food on all of our tables. We are truly blessed.
