As the citrus industry enters a significant year, Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC), reflects on its progress and future challenges. Citing lyrics from The Byrds' song based on Ecclesiastes 3, he emphasizes that "everything has its season," reminding the industry of its ongoing battle against citrus greening, also known as HLB.
Johnson notes that for nearly two decades, efforts to combat HLB have been persistent. He believes new tools and varieties available for managing groves are changing the dynamics of this fight. These developments could potentially provide an advantage in overcoming the disease.
At the FCC's final meeting of 2024 on December 18, significant steps were taken to embrace these changes. The commission unanimously approved funding for 22 nurseries to expedite propagation of recently approved citrus varieties with improved tolerance to HLB under the 2024 Program for Expedited Propagation Agreements.
Additionally, a Joint Subcommittee on Regulation Review to Advance Citrus Recovery was established. This subcommittee will review existing laws and regulations governing the FCC to ensure they serve Florida's citrus industry effectively. Its members have been appointed by both the FCC and Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM).
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Florida Citrus Commission's establishment by the State Legislature. Johnson sees this milestone as an opportunity to reaffirm Florida's status as a leading producer of high-quality citrus and orange juice globally.
The Global Marketing department has also made notable strides towards achieving its sales goals. By year's end, it had secured nearly 30% of its $25 million target in orange juice sales through e-commerce initiatives.
As recovery continues following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Johnson expresses hope for a prosperous year ahead in combating greening and furthering industry growth.
Steve Johnson is Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission and owner/general manager of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., located in Wauchula, FL.