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 …

The citrus seminar agenda for this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo can be found here. The program is packed full of information for growers looking to keep the momentum going after this season’s crop finished on a positive note, despite the freeze earlier this year. One reason for optimism – and for citrus production and quality improving – has …

Citrus breeders have increased the volume of varieties in development over the years in the search for HLB-resistant lines. This work has yielded results, but also more selections for growers to evaluate. For the past several years, John Chater, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor of horticultural sciences, has been charged with acting as a …

This year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will provide seminars on a range of topics, including vegetables, alternative crops and citrus. For Florida vegetable growers, more than four hours of educational programming will be available. Some of the presentations will address pest management, including whitefly. There will also be a discussion on how to optimize production in plasticulture crops, which …

Growers received welcomed news in June when trunk-injection therapy of oxytetracycline (OTC) was cleared for continued applications next season. Some growers have said the treatment has helped save groves from loss due to HLB.   Ute Albrecht, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences associate professor, has been one of the lead researchers on OTC applications and its effectiveness. …

Florida FFA recently announced its newly elected 2026–27 state officer team. This outstanding group of young leaders will be joining AgNet Media in Fort Myers this August to volunteer at the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. Each year, the Florida FFA state officers play an important role in helping create a welcoming and successful experience for attendees and exhibitors. Their …

The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation received another large infusion of funds from the Florida Legislature during its session this spring. Approximately $160 million will be going toward funding new planting and existing tree therapy projects for citrus growers.  The CRAFT team will be giving an update on the rollout of the new cycle of funding during the …

Since he began growing citrus six years ago, Daryl Zelek has attended the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo every year. He’ll be back again this year, and this time he’s bringing his wife so she can attend the vegetable seminars. The couple has already booked their stay at the Luminary Hotel and are looking forward to coming to the Caloosa …

For many Florida farmers and ranchers, “A Land Remembered” is a treasured piece of historical fiction. The novel chronicles the lives of three generations of the MacIvey family in Florida from the 1850s to the 1960s. There has been a lot of buzz about a new TV series that is being made based on the book. Todd Wiseman Jr., who …

Growers today face a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. From managing pests and diseases to navigating labor challenges, production costs, water management concerns and evolving market conditions, staying informed has never been more important. The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 12–13 in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, will provide growers and industry professionals with practical knowledge, exposure to …