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Despite Challenges, Citrus Still a Major Economic Engine in Florida
Contact: Andrew Meadows at (863) 682-1111 or (cell) (863) 944-4924
For Immediate Release:
Bonita Springs, Fla. (June 25, 2009) – Citrus growers continue to face many challenges, however Florida’s signature crop remains a powerful economic engine that supports dozens of rural communities across the state, according to the head of Florida’s largest citrus trade organization.
Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, delivered his “State of the Florida Citrus Industry” address today and used the speech to emphasize the importance of citrus, especially in tough economic times.
“Many towns in Florida’s interior depend on citrus and with the overall economy suffering, our crop – and agriculture in general – becomes even more important,” Sparks said. “To paraphrase Mark Twain ‘rumors of the citrus industry’s decline have been greatly exaggerated.’”
Sparks gave the address as part of the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference which takes place in June and serves as a venue for the industry to discuss issues impacting Florida citrus. More than 600 people attended the event this year at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs.
While praising the resiliency of Florida citrus, Sparks acknowledged that disease pressure, high inventories and declining OJ consumption are “definitely putting the squeeze on growers.”
“We are facing some immense challenges,” Sparks said. “The spread of citrus greening, the most serious citrus disease on the planet, is putting our $9.3 billion industry and the 76,000 jobs it creates at risk.”
Citrus greening is a bacterial disease that kills trees. All 32 Florida counties that contain commercial citrus production now have greening. The Florida citrus industry is now mounting a multi-million dollar research effort to find short and long-term solution to the disease.
Sparks sounded an optimistic tone.
“History has proven that the Florida citrus industry can overcome and survive pests and diseases, hurricanes and freezes,” he said. “Citrus has been too good to the farming families of Florida to abandon. And with all that’s bad out there, growers are proud to provide consumers with a wholesome, great tasting and healthy product.”
In other news, Florida Citrus Mutual confirmed its board members and officers for the 2009-2010 season on June 24. Fran Becker, vice president of fruit procurement for Peace River Citrus Products, Inc., Bradenton, was re-elected president of Mutual.
Vice-presidents elected for the 2008-09 season are: Vic Story of Lake Wales representing the western area; Trey Smith, of Vero Beach, representing the eastern area; Raymond “Bo” Bentley, Jr. of Winter Haven representing the northern area; and Mark Wheeler of Lake Placid representing the southern area.
Marty McKenna of Sebring was re-elected as secretary and Dennis Broadaway of Haines City was re-elected as treasurer.
The Board of Directors re-elected Mike Sparks as executive vice president/CEO, Jewel Letchworth as assistant secretary and Kevin Metheny as assistant treasurer.
Mutual also officially installed its 21-member board of directors at the Annual Meeting. Each director serves a one-year term, with a term limit of two years for the president.
Other members of the board include: Robert E. Battaglia of Winter Park; Larry Black of Ft. Meade; Kevin Bynum of Vero Beach; J.A. “Jay” Clark, III of Wauchula; Rex Clonts of Apopka; David Evans of Oviedo; Richard “Ric” Freeman of Winter Garden; P. Louis Haverlock of Balm; Tom Jerkins of Ft. Pierce; George Neukom, III of Zephyrhills; Steve Ryan of Arcadia; John Smoak, III of Lake Placid; Steve Sorrells of Arcadia; and Wade Timpner of LaBelle.
Founded in 1948 and currently representing nearly 8,000 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state’s largest citrus growers’ organization. For more information, please visit www.flcitrusmutual.com
