Chairman Johnson: The Latest Science Fueling Our Discipline

I'm not a scientist, and I can't pretend I'll ever be even close to one. However, I think a case can be made that scientists and citrus growers have something in common. Ask any scientist what drives their curiosity, and they'll tell you it is not only their pursuit of logic and reason, but also their passion for discovery and hope for the future. As citrus growers, we maintain a discipline of cultivating fruit through all three of these things: reason, passion, and hope. One without the other, and it's just not the same. So, when I hear about the latest scientific research that will aid us in the war against greening and, honestly, any topic that will better the industry, my attention is piqued.

As I said briefly in my last column, the lion's share of our most recent FCC Meeting on October 23 was devoted to scientific research. As an example, Peter Chaires, Executive Director of New Varieties Development and Management Corp. (NVDMC), presented on the 2024-25 projects, highlighting the latest variety developments as well as what's being prioritized at both UF IFAS and USDA-ARS.

As growers seeking solutions, it is important that we take the time to see some of the variety developments in action. You can attend some of the upcoming Displays or Field Days within the next month, which are sponsored in part by NVDMC:

• Gainesville Citrus Variety Display - November 18, 10:00 a.m. at 1786 IFAS Research Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611
• Whitmore Foundation Farm Open House & Field Day - December 6, 10:00 a.m. at 23402 USDA Road, Groveland, Florida 34736

We also owe Florida Citrus Mutual a huge thank you for holding this week's Grower Information Meeting where growers received updates on OTC and its effects from Dr. Ute Albrecht, UF IFAS SWFREC. She reported at length on the findings from four trials, as well as an update on several ongoing trials. The findings were encouraging, showing an effective increase in yield, fruit quality, and juice quality. Other presentations included Steven Hall with the CRAFT Foundation Inc. on CRAFT Cycle Six and its application process (which deadlines tomorrow, November 15, for new plantings, by the way).

This is just some of the latest science fueling our discipline. While it's certainly a difficult time to be a Florida citrus grower, one could reasonably argue that there are many reasons to be encouraged and, amidst the common ground that growers and scientists share, we will find a path forward to a more fruitful future.

Steve Johnson is Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, which oversees the Florida Department of Citrus. He is the owner and general manager of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., based in Wauchula, FL.