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Florida Gulf Citrus
News Summer 2019
Association Held 33rd Annual Meeting
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association held its 33rd Annual Corporation (Ed Early); Howard Fertilizer (Jared Revell);
Meeting at the Verandah Country Club in Ft. Myers on Nichino America Inc. (Sam Monroe and Scott Croxton)
June 5, 2019. and Yara North America, Inc. (Kelsey Gunthorp).
GCGA President Ron Mahan welcomed the members Twenty Year “Associate” Members that were recog-
and guests and called on Lee Jones, GCGA’s Secretary, for nized were Kahn Citrus Management, LLC (Marvin
the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Kahn); Jack Norris and Peace Rive Citrus Products, Inc.
President Mahan sat the 2018-19 directors and thanked (Fran Becker).
them for their dedicated service to the association. After the member recognitions, GCGA’s Secretary, Lee
Treasurer Rob Atchley gave a report in which Boy, Mil Jones, announced the 2019-2020 Directors and Officers.
ler, Kisker and Perry performed the association’s annual The program continued with guest speaker, Mike
review, year ending December 31, 2018. The firm reported Sparks, Florida Citrus Mutual’s Executive Vice President/
that the financial statements and position of the associa- CEO giving the members an industry update. Mr. Sparks
tion are in order based on generally accepted accounting started by letting everyone know that the Annual Citrus
principles. Treasurer Atchley informed all members that Conference in Bonita Springs was well on its way and it
a copy of this report is available through GCGA’s office. was going to be another exciting conference. He noted that
Executive Vice President Steve Smith thanked the Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried was
annual meeting sponsors (Farm Credit of Florida, First scheduled to attend and even hoped that Florida’s Gover-
Bank, Plant Food Systems, Southern Gardens Citrus and nor Ron DeSantis would attend as well.
Stallings Crop Insurance) and recognized the association’s One of the most important updates that Mr. Sparks
members and leaders for their support. had was the CRAFT Program which stands for Citrus
Outgoing director Joe Hilliard II was recognized for his Research and Field Trials. This program is grower driven
many years of dedication, support and service as a board and will give growers incentive to replant. The program
member from 2006 - 2019. will be cost shared and encourages the growers to imple-
Recognized as 10 Year “Associate” Members were ment management tools for new plants, including grove
America Ag Products Corporation (Doug Brown); FMC continued on page 11
President’s Message
It’s certainly been a good recovery year combat greening in groves that are devel- Center for Agribusiness at the business
for our industry. Bouncing back to above oped/planted between January 1st and June school at FGCU! Gulf Citrus Growers
70 million boxes of oranges from the 30th of next year. Look out for informa- Association has and will continue to sup-
Irma-affected crop of 45 million last year tion packets that should be available from port this Center whose goals are to track
certainly demonstrates the resilience of FDACS on or about September 2nd. I’m and distribute information regarding the
citrus growers! Of course, we’re not out of economic impact and sustainability of
the woods yet, as we all know the impact to agriculture, offer educational programs
our trees was so significant, that it will take focusing on supply chain management,
another year before they’re recovered. finance, management and marketing in
Greening remains our most signifi- agriculture, and offer FGCU students the
cant ongoing challenge. There is hope in opportunity to earn a Minor in Agribusi-
research results we continue to see and, in ness. I believe what FGCU is doing is a
some cases, in our own fields, as we test the great compliment and addition to what UF/
various tools and methodologies searching IFAS does for our industry, particularly for
for what works in the real world. While we us here in the Gulf Citrus growing region.
have historically funded what our industry As I stated last year, I believe there’s
needs (the ad-tax, research-tax, etc.), we are reason to hope, even beyond a farmers’
getting financial support outside from our typically unreasonable optimism! Our
state and federal sources. One program of industry has come through many chal-
particular interest that I urge you to seek lenges both before and since I became
out more info is the CRAFT program – that involved in the ‘80s, and I’m certain we
is, Citrus Research and Field Trials. This Ron Mahan will continue facing up to the challenge du
program provides a cost-share program sure that Steve and Bernie will be on top jour. We won’t come away unscathed, but
that funds new grove plantings – or reno- of it and let us all know as soon as further Gulf growers will continue producing great
vated grove with resets – demonstrating information is available. orange juice and fresh citrus for American
management tools and methodologies to It is exciting to see the progress of the consumers!
Citrus and Agricultural Industry Celebration
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at FGCU Alico Arena
Reception 5:30 p.m. • Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Invitations will be mailed soon!
Gulf Citrus Growers Association Elects 2019-2020 Officers
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association
(GCGA) elected its officers to serve the
organization for the 2019-2020 season
at its 33rd Annual Meeting. Elected to
lead the regional citrus association are the
following:
President
Ron Mahan
Tamiami Citrus, LLC
Vice President Gulf Citrus 2019-2020 Officers
Danny Sutton Left to right: Ron Mahan, President; Danny Sutton, Vice President;
Alico, Inc. Lee Jones, Secretary and Rob Atchley, Treasurer.
Ron Mahan was reelected president for company’s efforts to develop citrus groves
Secretary
the coming year. Mahan is Chief Financial using the latest in variety research, grove
Lee Jones
Officer for Tamiami Citrus, LLC, a 7,400 design and management technology. He
Gardinier Florida Citrus
acre grove development company with earned his Bachelor of Science and Master
Treasurer groves in Southwest Florida. With over of Science degrees in Agriculture, Food &
Rob Atchley 30 years of experience in the citrus and Resource Economics from the University
A. Duda & Sons, Inc. agricultural industries, Mahan is leading his of Florida.
2 SUMMER 2019
Gulf Citrus Growers Association Elects New Directors
2019-2020 Gulf Citrus Growers Association Board of Directors
Standing, left to right: Steve Smith, David Wheeler, Lee Jones, Bob Newsome and Danny Sutton.
Seated, left to right: Dale Johnson, Ron Mahan, Julie Paul Obney, Rob Atchley and Wayne Simmons.
Board members absent from photograph are: Tom Kirschner, Dan Pool, Jr., and Emery Smith.
At its 33rd annual meeting on June 5, 2019, Florida’s Gulf region, including Charlotte, during the upcoming season. The asso-
at the Verandah Country Club in Ft. Myers, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. ciation’s board encourages your input as to
Florida, the Gulf Citrus Growers Asso- Each director has been elected to serve a how to improve the organization’s service
ciation sat its 2019-2020 board of directors. one-year term. to its members. Please contact the office or
The newly elected leadership will direct GCGA board members are volunteers one of the board members if you have any
the association as it works to represent and work on behalf of the Gulf region’s suggestions/input.
the citrus growing industry in Southwest citrus industry. Please support these leaders
Florida’s Gulf Citrus
Production Region
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association represents Charlotte Glades
thousands of acres of citrus groves in Southwest
Florida’s “Gulf” region, which is officially
LaBelle Clewiston
Lee Hendry Gulf Citrus Growers
designated as a production region in state statutes. Fort
Myers
Association, Inc.
The region accounts for over 25% of Florida’s total
Immokalee
Established in 1985, Gulf Citrus Growers
citrus fruit production, and generates nearly $1-billion Collier Association is a trade association repre-
of total economic impact! senting the citrus growers of Southwest
Florida. The association addresses key
GCGA 2019-2020 Board of Directors issues of economic importance to the
Collier County Hendry County Charlotte County sustainable growth and development of
Tom Kirschner Rob Atchley Emery Smith the citrus industry in the region. These
Cooperative Producers, Inc A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. issues include land and water use,
Lee Jones environmental regulation, farmworker
Ron Mahan Lee County relations, transportation, marketing and
Tamiami Citrus, LLC Gardinier Florida Citrus Vacant domestic and international trade programs.
Bob Newsome Julie Paul Obney
Jack Paul Properties At-Large Directors
Barron Collier Partnership Florida Gulf Citrus News is published
Wayne Simmons Dale Johnson
LaBelle Fruit Co. LLC JEBCO Citrus biannually by the Gulf Citrus Growers
Glades County Association, 11741 Palm Beach Blvd., Suite
David Wheeler Danny Sutton Dan Pool, Jr. 202, Fort Myers, FL 33905. 239-690-0281,
Wheeler Farms, Inc. Alico, Inc. Custom Citrus Care Fax 239-690-0857. www.gulfcitrus.org.
SUMMER 2019 3
19th Annual GCGA Country Gala!
The 19th annual Gulf Citrus Growers raising event. The funds raised through our The Gulf Citrus Growers Association
Association Country Gala was held on the events continue to be “invested” throughout would like to express a special thanks to
evening of April 6th at the LaBelle Civic our region and state. all the volunteers who make this event
Center. The traditional plate-sized ribeye The level of support that the association possible. Without the help and support of
steaks, cooked to your liking by the Hendry continues to receive from our grower and all those involved, this event would not be
County Cattlemen’s Association, and Mrs. associate members is outstanding. It shows a success!
Peggy’s fixins continue to be a big hit. that the industry is still sticking together Our generous sponsors and supporters
The gala was well attended by over 300 even through the hard times. are listed on the next page.
folks from the region and state. Everyone We are also pleased with the level of
enjoyed the fun-filled evening supporting community support that we receive from Plans are already underway for the
the association. the first-class resorts, restaurants and busi- 20th Annual Country Gala
Since 2000, the gala has grown to nesses which donated auction and raffle scheduled for April 4, 2020!
become the association’s number one fund- items. Be sure to add this date to your calendar!
4 SUMMER 2019
Thank You! Platinum Sponsors
Alico, Inc. F Barron Collier Companies F Chemical Dynamics
Consolidated Citrus, LP F Duda F Farm Credit of Florida F First Bank
Hilliard Brothers of Florida, LTD F LCEC F Live Oak Analytics, LLC
Old Florida Citrus F Jack Paul Properties, Inc. F Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association
Sam Galloway Ford F Southern Gardens Citrus
Gold Sponsors
Agricultural Risk Management, LLC F American Ag Products Corporation
Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. F Cooperative Producers, Inc. F Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc.
Everglades Equipment Group F Florida Citrus Mutual
Florida Gulf Coast University, Center for Agribusiness F Florida’s Natural Growers
Gardinier Florida Citrus F G.P. Solutions, LLC F Heller Bros. Packing Corp. F Lipman
Nichino America F Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. F Plant Food Systems
Ranch One Cooperative, Inc. F Timac Agro USA F Triangle Chemical Company
TriEst Ag Group/TriEst Irrigation F Tropicana Products
Wallace International Trucks, Inc. F Wedgworth’s, Inc.
Silver Sponsors
Aglime Sales, Inc. F BASF Corporation F Brandt Consolidated F Central Life Sciences
Chemical Containers, Inc. F Custom Citrus Care F D&K Harvesting, Inc.
Dundee Citrus Growers Assn. F English Brothers F Fletcher Flying Service, Inc.
GOWAN USA F Graves Brothers Company F Chris & Sue Hansen, Hansen Groves
Harrell’s Fertilizer F Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Co., Inc. F J.B. Ranch 1, LLC
JBT F Jebco Groves F Johnson-Prewitt & Associates, Inc. F LSI Companies, Inc.
MacVicar Consulting, Inc. F Magna-Bon II, LLC F Nextran Truck Centers
Nufarm Americas, Inc. F Oakley Groves, Inc. F The Packers of Indian River, LTD
Prudential Agricultural Finance F Southern Heritage Real Estate
Sun Country Citrus Hauling, Inc. F UPL fka Arysta LifeScience
Valent USA LLC F Wheeler Farms F Yara North America
Auction/Raffle Sponsors & Contributers
Ag-Tronix, Inc. F Barron Collier Partnership F DUDA / Peace River Packing (Oranges)
Diamond R Fertilizer F Everglades Equipment Group F First Bank
Florida SouthWestern State College F FMC Corporation, Ed Early
Gardinier Florida Citrus F Hendry County Cattlemen
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa F Kearns Restaurant Group, The Firestone
Tracy Langford F Morgan Stanley – Johnson Tamney Group
Old Corkscrew Golf Club F Old Florida Citrus, Jim Gravley F PNC Agricultural Group
Prawnbroker Restaurant F Rays Baseball Foundation, Jessica Smith
Bob Richardson, WWRE et al. F Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee F Steve Smith
Sun Harvest Citrus (Valencia’s and Ruby Red Grapefruit) F The Turtle Club
The Veranda Restaurant F Troyer Brothers (Potatoes) F ’Tween Waters Inn
The Verandah Club F Vision Ace Hardware, LaBelle (Plants)
Wallace International Trucks, Inc. F Zaxby’s
SUMMER 2019 5
GCGA’s 23rd Annual Gulf Classic
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association
hosted its 23rd Annual “Gulf Classic”
May 10, 2019, at Verandah Country Club.
Twenty-six (26) teams competed in this
year’s tournament, reflecting continuous
industry-wide support of this GCGA event.
The Gulf Classic tournament, coordinat-
ed and directed through the association’s
Associate Member Committee, is one of
several key special events that financially
support the organization’s community and
governmental relations programs.
Our association is truly thankful for
Team with the lowest net score sponsored by Old Florida Citrus
the continued sponsorship and volunteer
support of the tournament by both grower
and associate members. The Associate
Member Committee is to be commended,
once again, for putting on a first-class event.
The Gulf Classic Tournament Commit-
tee included: Cathy Atchley, On Point Ag,
Inc.; Ben Casey, Southern Gardens Citrus;
Josh Culpepper, Prudential Agricultural
Finance; Ronnie Ford, Ag-Tronix, Inc.;
Gary Grant, Farm Credit of Florida;
Britt Gravley, Old Florida Citrus; Sage
Gray, Rabo AgriFinance; James Holland,
Northwestern Mutual; Morgan McKenna,
Syngenta Crop Protection; Sarah Markle, Team with the lowest gross score sponsored by Wedgworths, Inc.
Valent USA LLC; Bo Meador, Agro-
Source, Inc.; Bernadette Rashford, Gulf
Citrus Growers Assn.; Steve Smith, Gulf
Citrus Growers Assn. and Wade Timpner,
Southern Gardens Citrus.
This year’s Gulf Classic tournament
featured a $1,000 cash prize drawing for
registered golfers, a 50-50 putting contest,
individual “special hole” prizes and team
awards for the lowest gross score, lowest
net score and blind draw.
The team with the lowest net score was
sponsored by Old Florida Citrus and
included Jim Gravley, Dennis Bush, A. Duda & Sons, Inc. team took the blind draw
Chucky Rucker and Tyler Pugh.
This year’s team with the lowest gross
score was from Wedgworth’s, Inc. and
included Jay Bellflower, Heath Prescott,
Mike Moore and Shawn Barley.
The A. Duda & Sons, Inc. team, which
included Eldridge Bedingfield, Sam
Updike, Jim McVay and Clinton Welker,
took the blind draw.
Winners of the individual awards were:
Most Accurate Drive, Mike Halloran;
Longest Drive, Marty Wilson & Lee Jones;
Longest Putt, Stark Sullen; and Closest
to the Pin, JR Gough. Dan Pool won the
Adrian Jahna wins $1,000 cash!
putting contest, collecting $230. Lee Jones
accepted his $100 cash prize for winning Adrian Jahna with BASF Corporation the “big bucks” to Adrian. He thanked the
the Longest Drive and then turned around was the lucky winner of the $1,000 prize committee for the cash prize and gener-
and donated his winnings to GCGA’s for participating golfers. Sarah Markle, ously donated half of his winnings back to
Scholarship Foundation. Thank you, Lee! Associate Committee Member, presented the association. Thank you, Adrian!
6 SUMMER 2019
Gulf Citrus Growers Association
Presents Brilliant Orange Awards
Three Hendry County first year teachers Steve Smith, Gulf Citrus Growers Eastside Elementary School in Clewiston;
were presented a Brilliant Orange Award Association’s executive vice president, pre- and Madison Kobs, a 5th grade English
in recognition of their outstanding class- sented the Brilliant Orange awards to the Language Arts teacher at Country Oaks
room performances during the 2018-2019 three teachers selected as the best first year Elementary School in LaBelle.
school year. The teachers were recognized teachers in Hendry County for the 2018- The Gulf Citrus Growers Associa-
during the 2019 Golden Apple Teacher 2019 school year. tion, in conjunction with the Foundation
Recognition Dinner on January 24, 2019, Recognized were Jacob Haskell, a 5th for Hendry County Public Schools, Inc.,
in LaBelle. The awards were fittingly grade English Language Arts teacher at annually selects the Brilliant Orange teach-
named Brilliant Orange, as Hendry County LaBelle Elementary School in LaBelle; ers based on the nominations from each of
is currently one of Florida’s top orange and Cassidy Lee, a Kindergarten teacher at the schools’ administrators.
citrus producing counties.
Henry Ford Citrus Grove
Henry Ford grew up in an agriculture fam-
ily and even grew fruit trees at his winter
estate in Fort Myers. Henry Ford said, “I
believe that industry and agriculture are
natural partners. The soundest step this
country can take, is to show the American
farmer how he can operate his farm profit-
ably.” That is exactly what Tammy Hall,
CFS Roofing Services, and Jim Gravley,
Old Florida Citrus, are doing with the new-
est project at Ford’s winter estate.
Tammy and Jim started this venture in
March 2018, and unveiled the final project
on February 27, 2019. Local dignitaries
and industry related folks joined together the planning, work, supplies, etc., was the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC).
to unveil the newly planted grove at the generously donated. Southern Gardens FDOC Director for Global Marketing
Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The citrus Citrus nursery supplied the trees, UF/IFAS Samantha Lane and GCGA Executive Vice
grove has 50 trees planted with varieties provided Defenders to protect the trees President Steve Smith provided comment
including Valencia, Midsweet oranges and and Old Florida Citrus and CFS Roofing at the event.
grapefruit. The hope is to have fresh juice Services planted them, installed the irriga- This new portion of the estates is not
once the trees start producing fruit. tion system and has pledged to oversee the only for the visitors to see and learn about
The nonprofit group that oversees the grove in the future. Florida citrus, it is also going to be used by
estates said “the project did not cost them Among the many sponsors was Gulf UF/IFAS and the FGCU Agribusiness cen-
anything except some staff time.” All Citrus Growers Association (GCGA) and ter for classes, presentations and lectures.
Beverage Cart Hole in One D&K Harvesting, Inc.
AgroSource, Inc. Creel Tractor Company Duda
CFS Roofing Services Grand Prize Everglades Equipment Group
G.P. Solutions Valent USA LLC FGCU
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC Raffle Prizes First Bank
Nextran Truck Centers, Ft. Golf Galaxy GOWAN
Myers JEBCO Citrus G.P. Solutions
Thank You Lunch Lehigh Training Center Grandma’s Grove
Tournament Nutrien Ag Solutions On Point Ag, Inc. Gulf Citrus Harvesting & Hauling, Inc.
Sponsors! Wheeler Brothers Jack Paul Properties
Hospitality Jackson Citrus, Inc.
Orange Juice Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC Tee/Green
Prudential Agricultural Finance Ag-Tronix, Inc. JEBCO Citrus
Tropicana Products
Agricultural Risk Lehigh Training Center
Individual Coolers Longest Putt Management Oakley Groves, Inc.
Rabo AgriFinance Everglades Equipment Group Old Florida Citrus
AgroSource, Inc.
Hats Most Accurate Drive BASF On Point Ag, Inc.
Syngenta Crop Protection Old Florida Citrus Brandt Consolidated Peace River Citrus Products, Inc.
Photographer Longest Drive Chemical Containers, Inc. Southern Gardens Grove Corporation
Stallings Crop Insurance Lehigh Training Center Citrus Applications, Inc. Wallace International Trucks, Inc.
Water Closest to the Pin Contact Citrus Care, Inc. Wedgworth’s, Inc.
Florida Grove Hedgers Prudential Agricultural Finance Creel Tractor Company Wheeler Brothers
SUMMER 2019 7
THANK YOU
Gulf Citrus Growers Associate Members!
FOR 20 YEARS OF SUPPORT
Kahn Citrus Management, LLC
Jack Norris
Peace River Citrus Products, Inc.
FOR 10 YEARS OF SUPPORT
Nichino America, Inc. Yara North America, Inc.
Presented to Scott Croxton Presented to Kelsey Gunthorp
American Ag Products Corporation
FMC Corporation
Howard Fertilizer
Proceeds from Gulf Citrus Growers Special Events help support
Agriculture Communicators of Florida F Araba Shriners F Chamber of Southwest Florida
County 4-H Programs and Activities F Edison/Ford Winter Estates F Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation
Florida Agriculture Coalition F Florida Agriculture Council F Florida Cattlemen’s Association
Florida Citrus Hall of Fame F Florida Citrus Mutual F Florida Farm Bureau Federation
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Assn. F Florida Fruit & Vegetable Assn.
Florida Gulf Coast University F Florida Section: American Water Resources Assn. F Florida Specialty Crop Foundation
Glades County Education Foundation F Glades County High School Scholarship Foundation
GCGA Scholarship Foundation F Hendry County Brilliant Orange and Golden Apple Awards
LaBelle Rotary Club F Lee County Horizon Council F Miss Florida Citrus Pageant
National Council of Agricultural Employers F Riverdale High School
Redlands Christian Migrant Association Programs F Soup Kitchen Benefit/Sam Galloway & Friends
UF/IFAS F Young Farmers & Ranchers F Orange Juice Donations for various events and meetings
8 SUMMER 2019
THANK YOU 2019 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS!
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND INTEREST
Actagro, LLC Florida Grower Magazine Nichino America, Inc.
Aglime Sales, Inc. Florida Gulf Coast University Norris, Jack
Agricultural Risk Management, LLC College of Business Northwestern Mutual
Agromillora Florida Florida Southern College Nufarm Amercias
Horticulture Science Dept.
AgroSource, Inc. Nutrien Ag Solutions
Florida’s Natural Growers
Ag-Tronix, Inc. Oakley Groves, Inc.
Florikan ESA, LLC
American Ag Products Corporation On Point Ag, Inc.
FMC Corporation Agricultural Products
Arcadia Citrus Enterprises, Inc. Oro Agri, Inc.
Fruit Shield
Assured Partners Pathway Biologic
G.P. Solutions, LLC.
Austin, George Pavese Law Firm
Gallagher Lutgert Insurance
BASF Corporation Peace River Citrus Products, Inc.
Gator Ag Group, Inc.
Battery USA, Inc. Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc.
Gempler’s
Bayer CropScience Plant Food Systems, Inc.
Geo Ag Solutions
Blue Goose Growers PNC Agricultural Group
GHD
Boy, Miller, Kisker & Perry, Inc. Port Consolidated Oil
Glade and Grove Supply Company, Inc.
Brandt Consolidated ProPlus Products, Inc.
Gowan Company
Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery Prudential Agricultural Finance
Greener Earth Now Inc.
Bruce Hendry Insurance PW Jackson, Inc.
Griffin Fertilizer
Caloosahatchee Management Rabo AgriFinance
Gulf Citrus Properties, Inc.
Car Two Rayburn Companies, Inc.
H2A Complete II, Inc.
Carden & Associates, Inc. RMEC, LLC
Harrell’s Fertilizer
Central LifeScience Seald Sweet International
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
Certis USA Seminole Petroleum
Hendry County Cattlemens’ Assn.
CFS Roofing Services LLC Smart Guided Systems
Hendry/Glades Farm Bureau
Chemical Containers, Inc. Southern Gardens Citrus
Hickory Branch Cooperation
Chemical Dynamics Southridge Citrus Nursery, Inc.
Himrod Citrus Nursery
Coldwell Banker Commercial Stallings Crop Insurance, Corp.
Saunders Real Estate Howard Fertilizer
& Chemical Company Sun Country Citrus Hauling, Inc.
Collier Environmental Services Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.
Howell Oil Company
Compass Minerals Thomas R. Summersill, Inc.
Hunt Brothers Cooperative
Corteva Agriscience Thoron
Imaflex Inc.
Creel Tractor Company Timac AGRO USA
Infinity Ag Solutions, LLC
Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. TradeMark Nitrogen Corp.
JB Ranch I, LLC
Diamond R Fertilizer Co., Inc Tradewinds Power Corp.
JBT
DLF International, Inc. Tree Defender, LLC
Johnson Engineering, Inc.
Drexel Chemical Triangle Chemical Company
Johnson-Prewitt & Associates, Inc.
Dundee Citrus Growers Assn. TriEst Irrigation
Kahn Citrus Management, LLC.
Egan Fruit Packing, LLC TriYield, LLC
Kelly Tractor
Environmental Consulting Tropicana Products, Inc.
& Technology, Inc. KeyPlex
Live Oak Analytics, LLC United Agricultural Services
Environmental Turnkey Solutions
LSI Companies, Inc. UPL
Everglades Equipment Group
Lykes Insurance, Inc. Valent USA LLC
Everglades Harvesting & Hauling, Inc.
Magna-Bon II, LLC. Wallace International Trucks, Inc.
Farm Credit of Florida
Marrone Bio Innovations Wedgworth’s, Inc.
First Bank
Maxijet, Inc. Wells & Associates Insurance
Fletcher Flying Services, Inc.
MetLife Agricultural Investments Wheeler Brothers, Inc.
Florida Citrus Management, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Wilbur Smith Law Firm
Florida Citrus Mutual
MWI Corp., Ft. Myers Rental Division Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson
Florida Coast Equipment & English, PA
Florida Grove Hedgers Newton Crouch, Inc.
Yara North America, Inc.
Nextran Truck Centers
SUMMER 2019 9
Gulf Citrus Leaders Meet with Legislators
and Agencies on Water Related Issues
The outbreaks of Red Tide and Blue Green Scott is committed to increasing federal Total Maximum Daily Loads as related to
Algae in the summer of 2018 created an funding for Everglades projects. Repairing BMAP creation, and Minimum Flow Lev-
elevated sense of urgency by our legislators the Herbert Hoover Dike and constructing els for the Caloosahatchee. We appreciate
and government agencies to find solutions storage projects such as the EAA and C-43 our legislators’ commitment to the environ-
and fast track Everglades restoration proj- reservoirs remain top priority. ment and look forward to working together
ects. Gulf Citrus Growers Association staff Gulf Citrus Growers Association staff to find balanced solutions to Southwest
and leadership have worked in this arena and leadership will continue our out- Florida’s water issues. This complex situ-
for many years and continue to prioritize reach regarding all “water issues” such ation requires the dedicated collaboration
water related issues. As Florida’s popula- as Everglades restoration, ACOE Lake of all stakeholders – residents, businesses,
tion increases, advocating for agriculture Okeechobee regulation schedule, FDEP municipalities, utilities, agriculture et al.
relating to both quantity and quality of the
resource plays an increasingly important
role.
With all new members on the SFWMD
Governing Board, GCGA, along with
Florida Farm Bureau, FFVA, IFAS and
FGCU met with governing board chair-
man Chauncey Goss. Among the items
discussed was how citrus growers in our
region are effectively implementing the
BMP program and are committed to water
quality efforts. The discussion included a
grove tour hosted by GCGA President Ron
Mahan at Tamiami Citrus where Mr. Goss
was able to see first-hand tailwater recovery
and precision ag application methods. We
thank Mr. Goss for his time and willing-
ness to discuss citrus and agriculture in the
region.
GCGA Executive Vice President Steve
Smith participated in a roundtable with
Senator Rick Scott regarding the impor-
tance of Everglades restoration. Senator
10 SUMMER 2019Association Held 33rd Annual Meeting
continued from page one
design, planting preparation, pest manage- development, program distribution and if they want to participate in this program.
ment and post-planting practices in 20, applications are expected to be available The members and guests enjoyed a tur-
40, and 100 acre blocks. The program is to growers in early September. However, key and prime rib lunch that was prepared
hoping for a total of 5,000 additional acres the application deadline is October 2019. by Verandah’s highly acclaimed chefs.
to be planted in the first two years. Further Therefore, growers will want to act quickly
SUMMER 2019 11News Gulf Citrus
PRST STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Growers FT MYERS FL
Assn. Inc. PERMIT NO 569
11741 Palm Beach Blvd.
Suite 202
Ft. Myers, FL 33905
Gulf Citrus appreciates the support of
The association does not endorse the
goods or services promoted in this newsletter.
GCGA Scholarship Foundation Held 19th Annual Meeting
The Gulf Citrus Growers Association’s Norm Todd.
Scholarship Foundation held its 19th GCGA’s Scholarship Foundation is a
Annual Meeting in conjunction with nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation. Contribu-
GCGA’s 33rd Annual Meeting at the tions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Verandah Country Club in Ft. Myers. Membership dues and contribution forms
President Callie Walker called the meet- for the 2019-2020 year will be in the mail.
ing to order at 11:00 a.m. and noted that Checks can be mailed payable to GCGA
several foundation leaders and members Scholarship Foundation and mailed to
were present, and that the organization had 11741 Palm Beach Blvd., Ste 202, Ft. My-
a very positive year. She reported that dur- ers, FL 33905. The foundation appreciates
ing the 2018-19 year, $3,000 was awarded the continued support of its members and
to four deserving students, bringing the donors.
foundation’s accrued total dollars given in
scholarships to $106,000.
Students receiving GCGA scholarships
were Peter Jones attending Warner Uni-
versity, Taylor Sorrell attending Purdue July 31, 2019 is the next deadline
University, Megan Winfree attending for scholarship applications.
the University of Florida and Iman Zekri For an application, please contact
attending the University of Florida Law another three-year term. The Board of
School. Directors also consists of Callie Walker, Mongi Zekri at 863.674.4092 or
The foundation nominated and re- president; John Hoffman, vice president Bernadette Rashford at
elected David Wheeler as Director to serve and Joe English, secretary-treasurer and 239.690.0291.You can also read
