For years, conversations surrounding Florida citrus have often centered on challenges: HLB, hurricanes, freezes and shrinking production. But today, there is a different feeling taking hold across the industry. That renewed sense of optimism will be on full display at the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Aug. 12–13 in Fort Myers, where the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) is returning in a major way as the event’s welcome sponsor. For Executive Director Shannon Shepp, the investment represents more than sponsorship of an industry gathering, it reflects confidence in Florida citrus and the people working every day to move it forward.
“I have so many great memories of the Citrus Expo,” Shepp said. “For decades, it was on the calendar. It was a marked event in August. You needed to be there.”
According to Shepp, the Expo has long served as the unofficial kickoff to Florida’s citrus season, bringing growers, researchers and industry partners together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and focus on the future.
After years of tight budgets, the FDOC saw an opportunity in the event sponsorship to become more visible and reaffirm its commitment to growers.
“We want to make sure that everybody knows that we are here to support growers and that we are here to support this industry in a time when things are breaking free,” Shepp said.
As the welcome sponsor, FDOC representatives will greet attendees with an interactive lobby experience. A display will feature videos highlighting the department’s work on behalf of the Florida citrus industry. It will also offer charging stations for mobile devices and opportunities for growers to connect with FDOC staff.
“I really hope growers see that we are an active organization that is in service to this industry,” Shepp said. “We are working incredibly hard to make sure that the rest of the world knows that Florida produces the world’s best citrus.”