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 in a major way as the event’s Welcome Sponsor. For Executive Director Shannon Shepp, the investment represents more than sponsorship of an industry gathering, it reflects confidence in Florida citrus and the people working every day to move it forward.
“I have so many great memories of the Florida Citrus Expo,” Shepp said. “For decades, it was just on the calendar. It was a marked event in August. You needed to be there.”…