Citrus Expo hosted its biggest crowd ever during the 2018 event held Aug. 15-16 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida.
The event included an educational program themed “Planting Tomorrow’s Profits.”
Kicking off Citrus Expo was a new general session addressing timely issues for all types of growers. Attendees gained knowledge on the farm bill, crop insurance, proposed ag labor legislation, food safety, water issues and more.
Citrus seminars, as well as a newly added vegetable and specialty crop program, offered growers a wealth of information on the latest research. Attendance for the first vegetable and specialty crop sessions at Citrus Expo was so strong that more chairs needed to be added to the building! With the addition of the general session this year, the citrus program ran later than usual. However, this did not deter growers from attending the full program. Both the citrus and the vegetable and specialty crop programs granted multiple continuing education units toward the Florida restricted-use pesticide license and the Certified Crop Adviser designation.
Citrus Expo also included a sold-out trade show of nearly 200 exhibitors. The always popular John Deere gun safe giveaway, sponsored by Everglades Equipment Group, added excitement to the trade show floor. This year’s winner was Jimmy Carter of JK Carter Groves. More action could be found outside of the trade show hall, where growers could test drive Michelin equipment.
At the end of the first day of the event, attendees and exhibitors gathered on the trade show floor to share food, drinks and fun. The party ended with the announcement of the FFA Fundraiser Raffle winners. Eric Hjort of Tater Farms won a smoker from Hays-LTI, and Miles Armstrong of TradeMark Nitrogen Corp. won the OK Corral Gun Club’s weekend package. More than $3,600 was raised to support the future of Florida agriculture. Citrus Expo truly appreciates the volunteer service and hard work of the Florida FFA officers who help keep the event running smoothly.
Citrus Expo would like to thank the sponsors of the 2018 event. Citrus Expo cannot happen without them.
Citrus Expo also thanks the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Citrus Research and Development Foundation and Florida’s regional citrus associations for their role in planning this year’s expanded citrus seminar programs. Citrus Expo also thanks Gene McAvoy, county Extension director and regional vegetable/horticulture Extension agent IV, for his guidance and expertise in creating the new vegetables and specialty crops seminars. And of course, without the support of Citrus Expo’s exhibitors, the trade show would not be possible.
Mark your calendar for Aug. 14–15, 2019 when Citrus Expo 2019 returns to the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida.
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