News. Florida Gulf Citrus

Transcription

1 Florida Gulf Citrus News Fall 2012 Congressman Rooney Highlights 21st GCGA Banquet The 21st annual Gulf Citrus Industry Banquet hosted by the Gulf Citrus Growers Association continued to provide Florida s citrus leaders with a first class event at which to network and visit with their colleagues and allied trades representatives from throughout the state. This year s event was once again held at the Harborside Event Center in Ft. Myers, and attracted over 300 growers, industry leaders and special guests. This year s banquet, held August 15th in conjunction with the 2012 Citrus EXPO at Lee County s Civic Center, featured Florida Congressman Tom Rooney (R-16) as keynote speaker. Congressman Rooney, along with other key industry leaders, delivered several timely messages aimed at keeping citrus leaders updated on issues ranging from the federal Farm Bill to selling more Florida orange juice. GCGA President Wayne Simmons welcomed attendees with a five minute video, highlighting the association s 25 years of service to the citrus growing industry of the Gulf region. Hendry County Commission Chairman, Tris Chapman of Southern Gardens Citrus, served as master of ceremonies for this year s banquet, and did an outstanding job of keeping the evening s program moving...while interjecting Chapman humor throughout the event. In addition to welcoming attendees to his city, Ft. Myers Mayor Randy Henderson updated them on the numerous progressive improvements underway downtown. He explained his goal of making Ft. Myers one of the state s top River cities. And, he thanked the citrus industry for continuing to hold one of its most prestigious events in Ft. Myers, even throughout this transitional period. Gulf Citrus Growers Association Scholarship Foundation President Callie Walker reported that nearly $80,000 has been awarded to deserving college students through the foundation. And, that not only does the foundation make awards to students pursuing agricultural-related degrees, but also reaches out to other scholarship programs such as those sponsored by the SW Florida Hispanic Chamber, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida...as part of GCGA s community outreach efforts. Although Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam was unable to participate in person at this year s continued on page five

2 Gulf Citrus Growers Association Elects Officers At its 26th annual meeting on June 6, 2012 at the LaBelle Civic Center, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association (GCGA) elected its officers to serve the organization for the season. Elected to lead the regional citrus association are: President Wayne Simmons LaBelle Fruit Co., LLC Vice President Mark Colbert A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Secretary Bob Newsome Barron Collier Partnership Treasurer Callie Walker English Brothers Wayne Simmons was re-elected GCGA s president for the coming year. Simmons, president of LaBelle Fruit Co., LLC, owns Gulf Citrus Officers Seated: Callie Walker, Treasurer and Wayne Simmons, President. Standing: Bob Newsome, Secretary and Mark Colbert, Vice President citrus groves in Hendry, Collier and Hillsborough counties. He has over 30 years experience in the citrus industry, and has served on the GCGA s board of directors for several years. In addition to his leadership at GCGA, Simmons currently serves on the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) board of directors, and on several of the newly formed organization s committees/subcommittees. He has also served as president of the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association and the Hendry-Glades Farm Bureau. Simmons is a graduate of the Hendry/Glades Leadership Program. The Gulf Citrus Growers Association represents citrus growers in Florida s Gulf production region including Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. The region accounts for about 25% of the state s total citrus production, and generates nearly $1-billion of total economic impact. Association Honors Alexander, Timpner At its 26th annual meeting, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association recognized two board members who served the region s citrus growing industry for the past few years. John R. Alexander of Alico, Inc. served GCGA s board from 2010 through 2012, also served as chairman of the association s Membership Committee. Wade Timpner, now with Southern Gardens Citrus, served on the association s board from 2003 through Timpner also served as GCGA Secretary from 2004 through In addition to performing the duties of association secretary, his service included serving as chairman of GCGA s Nominating Committee. GCGA executive vice president Ron Hamel presented each of these leaders with commemorative 25-Year Anniversary Gulf Citrus Grove prints that were specially created by artist Bill North. Gulf Citrus Growers Association Board of Directors Wayne Simmons, President Mark Colbert, Vice President Bob Newsome, Secretary Callie Walker, Treasurer JD Alexander Don Barwick Emmett Evans III Joe Hilliard II Tom Kirschner Paul Meador Carey Soud David Wheeler Ron Hamel Executive Vice President gulfcitruscapron@embarqmail.com Thanks Mr. Alexander! Ron Hamel recognizes John R. Alexander for his years of service on the board and as chairman of the membership committee. Wade Timpner Recognized! Ron Hamel thanks Wade Timpner for his service as association secretary and as a member of the GCGA board. Publisher s Statement Florida Gulf Citrus News is published biannually by the Gulf Citrus Growers Association, Palm Beach Blvd., Suite 202, Fort Myers, FL 33905, (239) Postmaster, please send address change to the address above. Editor: Ron Hamel 2

3 Gulf Citrus Growers Association Elects Directors At its 26th annual meeting on June 6, 2012 at the Dallas Townsend Agricultural Center in LaBelle, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association officially seated its board of directors for the coming season. The newly elected leadership will direct the association as it works to represent the citrus growing industry in Southwest Florida s Gulf region, including Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. The Gulf Citrus board of directors and their respective counties of representation are listed below. Each director has been elected to serve a one-year term. Each of these leaders is a volunteer and is working on behalf of the Gulf region s citrus growing industry. Please support them during the coming season, and also suggest any positive changes that GCGA can make to improve the association s service to its members in the Gulf region Gulf Citrus Growers Association Board of Directors Back, left to right: Don Barwick, Carey Soud, Emmett Evans III, Tom Kirschner, Paul Meador, JD Alexander and Ron Hamel. Front, left to right: Mark Colbert, Callie Walker, Wayne Simmons and Bob Newsome. Board members absent from photograph are Joe Hilliard II and David Wheeler. Committee Chairs Appointed to Serve for Season GCGA President Wayne Simmons appointed the following leaders to chair the association s operating committees for the coming year. Please contact these volunteers for updates and information related to their respective committees. Associate Member Ali Pool Governmental Affairs Joe Hilliard II Labor Relations Paul Meador Long Range Policy & Planning George Austin Membership John R. Alexander Research and Production Mark Colbert Tax Cliff Bowen Florida s Gulf Citrus Production Region The Gulf Citrus Growers Association represents citrus growers with thousands of acres of citrus in Southwest Florida s Gulf region, which accounts for about 25% of the state s total fruit production. The region s citrus industry generates nearly $1-billion of total economic impact. GCGA Board of Directors Charlotte County Emmett Evans III Evans Properties, Inc. Collier County Tom Kirschner Cooperative Producers, Inc. Paul Meador Gulf Citrus Partners LP Bob Newsome Barron Collier Partnership Hendry County JD Alexander Alico, Inc. Mark Colbert Duda Products, Inc. Joe Hilliard II Hilliard Brothers, Inc. Wayne Simmons LaBelle Fruit Co. LLC Carey Soud Soud Family Partnership Charlotte Glades LaBelle Clewiston Lee Hendry Fort Myers Immokalee Collier Glades County David Wheeler Wheeler Farms, Inc. Lee County Callie Walker English Brothers At-Large Seat Don Barwick Heller Brothers Packing Corp. 3

4 Association Hosts 16th Gulf Classic at Verandah The Gulf Citrus Growers Association hosted the 16th Annual Gulf Classic May 11, 2012 at Verandah Country Club. Thirty (30) teams competed in this year s tournament, reflecting continuous industry-wide support of this GCGA event. The Gulf Classic, coordinated and directed through the association s Associate Member Committee, is one of key special events which financially supports the organization s community and governmental relations programs in the region. Our association is truly thankful for the continual sponsorship support of the Gulf Classic by both grower and associate members, said Ron Hamel, GCGA executive vice president. The Associate Committee is to be commended, once again for putting on a first class event, he added. The 2012 Gulf Classic Tournament Committee included Robert Murray, Timac AGRO USA, Chairman; Alison Pool, Brown and Brown Insurance; Stacy McCullough, Farm Credit of Florida; Jeff Campbell, Campbell Insurance; Julie Forrest, Stallings Crop Insurance, Corp.; Rachel Walters, Bayer CropScience; David Wilkison, Stantec; Sarah Markle, Valent USA; John Baxter, Florida Citrus Mutual; Wade Timpner, Southern Gardens Citrus; Cody Hoffman, Syngenta and Bernadette Rashford, GCGA. This year s Gulf Classic featured a $1000 cash prize drawing for registered golfers, a putting contest, individual special hole prizes and awards for the first, second and third place teams. This year s first place winning team was sponsored by Car Two; comprised of John Paul, Mike Halloran, Sam Hardin and Jason Dyess. Winning second place was the team from D&K Harvesting, Inc. and included Larry Marsh, Ross Flemming, Kevin Koppelman and Andy Paulet. Coming in third place was the Gulf Citrus Harvesting & Hauling, Inc. team including Lawrence Williams, Jesse Reyna, Gene Hillman and Ricky O Ferrell. Winners of the 16th Annual Gulf Classic individual awards were as follows: Most Accurate Drive, Ronnie Oakley; Longest Drive, Ross Flemming and Mike Schlechter; Longest Putt, Jack Basquin; and Closest to the Pin, Jesse Reyna and Jeff Campbell. The Putting Contest was split between five individuals. Breakfast Tropicana Products, Inc. Luncheon Alico, Inc. Citrus Expo The Andersons, Inc. Zenith Insurance Hospitality Helena Chemical Company Syngenta Crop Protection Beverage Helena Chemical Company KeyPlex Water Culligan Water Individual Cooler Farm Credit of Florida First Place Team Sponsored by Car Two. D&K Harvesting, Inc. Places Second. Gulf Citrus Harvesting & Hauling, Inc. takes Third Gulf Classic Tournament Sponsors Walters Wins $1000 Cash Grand Prize! Fred Walters of Florida Citrus Management, Inc. was the lucky winner of the Gulf Classic s third $1000 cash prize for golfers in the tournament. Robert Murray of Timac AGRO USA and chairman of the associates committee, presents the big bucks at the luncheon. The Gulf Citrus Growers Association would like to thank the Gulf Classic sponsors Photography Prize Stallings Crop Insurance, Corp. Amvac Chemical Company Tumbler Beef O Brady s at the Verandah Bayer CropScience Gulf Citrus Growers Association Orange-Co Florida Cracker Timac AGRO USA Lance Verandah Golf Course Hole in One Wellmark International Florida Coast Equipment Tee / Green Most Accurate Drive Aglime Sales Valent USA BASF Corporation Beef O Brady s at the Verandah Longest Putt Brown & Brown Insurance Florida Citrus Management, Inc. Chemical Containers Longest Drive Coastal Fertilizer & Supply, Inc. Car Two Culligan Water Heller Bros. Custom Citrus Care, Inc. Closest to the PIN Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. Everglades Farm Equipment DeSoto AutoMall Evans Properties First Bank Florida Citrus Management, Inc. Florida Citrus Mutual Florida Grove Hedgers, Inc. Florida Grower Magazine GOWAN Isagro USA JBT FoodTech Johnson-Prewitt Oakley Groves Orange-Co Stallings Crop Insurance, Corp. Stantec Syngenta Crop Protection Tranex, Inc. dba Valencia Harvesting Triangle Chemical Wheeler Brothers, Inc. Yara North America, Inc. 4

5 Congressman Rooney Highlights 21st GCGA Banquet continued from page one banquet as he traditionally has, he provided an inspirational video featuring several key issues which citrus growers are currently confronting. Included in Commissioner Putnam s message were his perspectives regarding the continual battle with citrus canker and greening; the on-going efforts to provide adequate water for crop production and the importance of a legal work force to harvest the state s citrus and other crops. The Commissioner also highlighted his initiatives relative to enhancing the diets of the state s students through the promotion and consumption of local produce, as well as his efforts to provide additional opportunities for growers, farmers and ranchers through expanded energy and environmental programs. Putnam commended the work of GCGA, and strongly urged agriculturalists to continue to support the organizations that are working on their behalf to inform and educate urban leaders and officials regarding the economic and environmental importance of agriculture to their communities, regions and to the Sunshine State. Doug Ackerman, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, provided an update on the FDOC s marketing plans to promote Florida citrus and citrus products throughout the U.S., as well as internationally. He noted that in the coming weeks, the Florida Citrus Commission would be approving the department s prospective programs and budgets. Ackerman invited attendees to contact him and his staff regarding any details on FDOC s efforts on behalf of the state s citrus growers. Keynote speaker Congressman Tom Rooney, who serves on the U.S. House of Representative s Committee on Agriculture, focused his remarks on the importance of the Farm Bill to Florida, as well as the entire United States agriculture. He urged attendees to reach out to their other members of Congress with the message to pass a Farm Bill. The Congressman expressed his frustration that efforts to pass the legislation have stalled in spite of the urgent needs to address the needs of the nation s agriculture. Regarding legislation specific to citrus, Rooney noted that funding to address canker and greening research is included in the Farm Bill, although efforts have been underway to make cuts. He pledged his efforts to retain this funding, along with other funding aimed at supporting specialty crops, many of which are grown in Florida. Congressman Rooney also reported that due to redistricting, his new district will be one of the nation s leading agricultural districts, and that he is proud to work in Washington on behalf of the state s growers, farmers and ranchers. It is a real pleasure for me to work for such hard working Americans, said Rooney. I am not a farmer and I do not have an agricultural background, he added. You need to tell me what you need to remain productive and profitable in agriculture. I look forward to working on your behalf. GCGA Executive Vice President Ron Hamel and Commissioner Chapman thanked Congressman Rooney for his banquet presentation, and service to Florida s citrus growers. They recognized Rooney with a framed, commemorative print of a Gulf Citrus orange grove. Gulf Citrus Industry Banquet, EXPO Highlights! Top Left: Florida Congressman Tom Rooney (middle left) is recognized by Hendry County Commissioner Tris Chapman (middle right). Top Right: Congressman Rooney meets with Florida s Future Farmers of America (FFA) officers at industry banquet. Middle Left: Florida Senator JD Alexander (center) and wife Cindy visit with friends during evening reception. Middle Right: Aaron Troyer (left), Florida Representative Matt Caldwell and Ft. Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker (candidate for Lee County Commissioner) network at 21st Gulf Citrus banquet. Bottom: The 2012 Citrus EXPO including the seminars and trade show was well attended by growers and leaders from throughout Florida. Thank You 2012 Banquet Sponsors! Platinum Farm Credit Florida Department of Citrus Southern Gardens Citrus Gold Alico, Inc. Bayer CropScience Chemical Dynamics, Inc. Consolidated Citrus, LP First Bank / First1 Financial Florida Citrus Mutual Florida s Natural Growers Magna Bon II, Inc. Pavese Law Firm Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. Triangle Chemical Company Silver Aglime Sales, Inc. Agricultural Risk Management, LLC AgroSource, Inc. BASF Corporation Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. Blue Goose Growers Brandt Consolidated Chemical Containers, Inc. Citrus Expo / Southeast AgNet Crop Production Services DuPont Crop Protection Edison State College Everglades Harvesting & Hauling, Inc. Florida Coast Equipment Florida Grower Magazine Gowan Company G.P. Solutions JBT FoodTech MacVicar Consulting Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Dick Johnson Oakley Groves, Inc. Pacific Tomato Growers, Ltd. Plant Food Systems Stantec The Andersons, Inc. The Packers of Indian River, Ltd. Tropicana Products, Inc. Valent USA Woodyard & Associates, LLC Yara North America, Inc. 5

6 6 Water Issues Continue to Challenge Gulf Growers The leadership of the Gulf Citrus Growers Association continues to rank water management issues at the top of its agenda. Hardly a day goes by without receiving a regulatory agency communique concerning water. During the past few years, issues dealing with water management have grown even more intense and complex in the Gulf region...as urban-oriented community leaders and environmental activists have become more vocal. From providing input regarding water supply needs for citrus and agriculture as part of the South Florida Water Management District s (SFWMD) Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan...to monitoring FDACS development of a statewide Citrus Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual...GCGA is actively engaged in addressing the federal, state and regional water-related issues. Lower West Coast Plan The SFWMD is finalizing the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan, a mandated Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) water supply planning initiative which must be updated every five years. Several workshops and meetings have been held over the past two years with stakeholders, including agriculturalists. The plan provides water managers with a guide to gauge current water demand and plan to 2030, the water supply needs of the region. To date by working together, the agriculture community has been able to maintain an adequate water supply, in spite of pressures from urban users and environmental concerns to reduce AG s supply. Early in the process, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Department of Agriculture and UF/ IFAS joined forces to promote AG s water supply needs based on future demands, including the re-planting of citrus trees. The district s staff revised its initial demand figures based on detailed information supplied by the AG interests. The SFWMD has announced that the final draft plan will be available in November GCGA, along with the AG team will remain engaged in the process. Lake O & Caloosahatchee Commissioner Adam Putnam has met with GCGA and other AG leaders regarding collective efforts to move forward on shoring up the Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee so that the vital water resource can be managed at a higher level to meet the demands of all water users. Commissioner Putnam has been an advocate for storing more water in the big lake. Growers, farmers and ranchers rely on water from Lake O during Florida s dry season for crop irrigation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revised its lake level schedule downward due to its concerns with the integrity of the dike. Although efforts are underway to strengthen the dike, time frames for completion keep Lake Okeechobee at low levels, and according to water managers...at levels that continue to pit water users against each other. GCGA will continue to work with Commissioner Putnam, the AG coalition and other water users to advance the Corps dike repairs so that more water can be stored. Attend the SW Florida AG Water Management Conference on October 23, 2012 at the Dallas Townsend AG Center in LaBelle. Please RSVP to GCGA The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has contracted with the Hendry Soil and Water Conservation District in LaBelle to provide cost/share assistance of up to $75,000 to Gulf citrus growers for the installation of water quality improvement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their property. FDACS Office of Agricultural Water NNC, TMDLs & BMAPs Florida s environmental agency is still waiting to hear if EPA will accept FDEP s proposed Numeric Nutrient Criteria, which were sent to the federal agency this past spring for immediate action. Recently, the Florida Congressional Delegation sent a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson requesting the agency s timely action on Florida s NNC rule. As of publication deadline, there has been no response from EPA although continual efforts have been made to gain EPA s approval. Regarding total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and basin management action plans (BMAPs), FDEP has been actively engaged on both initiatives here in the Gulf region. A number of public workshops have been held regarding setting TMDLs for the Caloosahatchee River and the Western Everglades, with the coastal basins being addressed first in the process. GCGA has participated in these sessions which have focused primarily on urban generated pollutants. At these workshops, the FDEP has indicated its intent to move upstream from S-79 (Franklin Locks) eastward toward Lake Okeechobee in the coming months. Florida Citrus BMP Manual Finalized GCGA has learned that the Florida Department of Agriculture s Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) is working with the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) to finalize details and advance the statewide Citrus BMP Manual to the rule adoption process. It is anticipated that the Citrus BMP Manual, will be adopted by mid-november, following its comprehensive review by Florida s citrus groups, including GCGA. The Gulf Citrus leadership has been assured that growers, who have already filed notices of intent (NOIs) with FDACS, and are implementing applicable BMPs on the checklist they submitted, will be grandfathered in, and will not have to go through another sign up process. However, FDACS/OAWP added, that growers must also follow the guidelines in UF/IFAS publication SL 253 (January 2008), Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, Second Edition. These actions will assure citrus growers with filed NOIs, who are implementing the BMPs and following UF/IFAS citrus nutrition guidelines, will be operating under a presumption of compliance with state water quality standards, FDACS reported. FDACS Announces Gulf BMP $$$ Policy reports that growers must have property in the Gulf 5-county region and be enrolled in the department s Gulf Citrus BMP Program. Interested growers are urged to contact Bo Griffin at to schedule an enrollment visit. GCGA strongly encourages its members to take advantage of the cost/share funding through FDACS, and also that offered through USDA s programs.

7 Gulf CHMA Leaders Plan Spraying, Round #5 According to Dr. Phil Stansly, in reviewing the data from 20 survey cycles, two sprays a year are not enough to provide adequate control. mant pre-christmas spray and were again pleased with the results. During the and 2012 seasons, we repeated the two dormant spray plan. The most effective ACP spray of the year...is the one put on in mid-winter...so it s important to get it right. Therefore, growers should either plan for the second spray to go on by January 15 or be ready to spray within three weeks of a hard freeze, Stansly added. Stansly explained that in making past recommendations of the two dormant sprays, the intention was that growers would fill in during the rest of the year with other sprays depending on needs and budgets. To provide a more comprehensive ap- With four successful rounds of cooperative, area wide spraying to reduce the region s populations of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP), the Gulf Citrus Growers Association s Gulf Citrus Health Management Area (CHMA) team leaders are preparing for Round #5. Based on enhanced USDA/APHIS and FDACS/DPI statewide survey data, through the Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP), Gulf CHMA leaders are recommending additional sprays along with the two dormant sprays that have been coordinated for the past four seasons. Since we are battling three diseases in our region...canker, greening and black spot...and since the concept of a CHMA is more comprehensive in dealing with pests and diseases, our GCGA team is stepping up its recommendations this time around, said Ron Hamel, the association s executive vice president. We are upgrading our recommendations to help growers select options which expand ACP control beyond the bare minimum dormant sprays, says Mark Colbert, chairman of GCGA Production and Research Committee. The new recommendations address classes of products, season-long timing and multiple pest control strategies which should be useful in our coordinated fight with damaging pests, he added. Dormant sprays provide a critical start to psyllid control, but fall short of a sustainable control program. Successful growers are doing more, and our new recommended approach will help simplify the decision process. GCGA President Wayne Simmons urged greater grower action in reducing ACPs. Growers all over the state, not just here in the Gulf region, continue to show that an integrated spray program can control psyllids. Progressive growers, who take a more pro-active approach against the psyllid, will still be in business in the coming years, Simmons said. According to Dr. Phil Stansly, UF/IFAS/ SWFREC entomologist and member of the Gulf CHMA team, in reviewing the data from 20 survey cycles, two sprays a year are not enough to provide adequate control. Our CHMA is going into its 5th season of cooperative action to control the ACP populations. During the first season ( ), we saw how effective an area wide dormant spray could be in providing global suppression. During the season, we recommended a second dorproach, the UF/IFAS scientist has prepared a generic spray calendar (please see chart below). He suggests an organophosphate (OP), such as dimethoate, chlorpyrifos or phorate, is recommended for the first dormant spray in late November or December. Hamlin blocks being harvested could be sprayed with a pyrethroid, and the OP for a second dormant spray in January. Otherwise, use a pyrethroid in January (Mustang or Danitol). There are a number of choices for the February/March slot he points out. Depending on pest pressure, past history and budgets, Movento will clean up psyllids that survived the dormant sprays, but must be put on just before bloom due to label restrictions. Micromite can be sprayed on bloom and can get a jump on leafminers and rustmites besides controlling ACPs. Portal would do the same minus the leafminers, and Delegate would get leafminers and psyllids, he says. Stansly notes good results in going after leafminers at first flush, for which Inrepid is also an option. Hopefully, after all this...you can lay off a month or just go in with oil and nutritionals for a post bloom spray, he adds. By May/June, we often see psyllids back on the early summer flush, leafminers can also be bad, and it is a good time to hit rustmites. Pick your poison depending on priorities and budgets! If you ve done well... perhaps you can lay off in July/August, except for oil and nutritionals. For the fall flush perhaps look at Micromite or Portal, but keep in mind the importance of rotating materials, Stansly advises. Dr. Stansly s priorities are the following: 1) Use the best product for the pests at hand; 2) Do not repeat a mode of action (chemical class) during the season and 3) Minimize collateral damage to beneficials. UF/IFAS/SWFREC RECOMMENDED GENERIC SPRAY CALENDAR November - February - July - September - Months December January March April May - June August October Recommended OP Pyrethoroid Movento Oil Delegate Oil Micromite Products Portal Movento Delegate Micromite Abamectin Portal Intrepid AgriFlex Movento Delegate Knack Pests ACP ACP ACP Everything ACP Everything ACP Controlled Weevils Mites Rustmites Leafminers Leafminers Leafminers Rustmites Weevils Scales Scales Scales Mealybugs 7

8 PROUD SUPPORTER News Gulf Citrus Growers Assn. Inc Palm Beach Blvd. Suite 202 Ft. Myers, FL PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS FL PERMIT NO 569 GCGA Holds 26th Annual Meeting in LaBelle The Gulf Citrus Growers Association held its 26th Annual Meeting June 6, 2012 at the Dallas Townsend Agricultural Center in LaBelle. GCGA President Wayne Simmons presided over the session, and he thanked the board of directors and staff for the dedicated support he received during his first year as president. Simmons pledged that the association would continue to address the key issues impacting the region s growers including HLB, water management, governmental affairs, production costs/taxes and labor-relations. He also paid special tribute to GCGA s associate members for their continued support of and service to the association. Ron Hamel, GCGA s executive vice president, gave the Treasurer s Report noting that the association s annual review by Boy, Miller, Kisker and Perry, Certified Public Accountants, was presented to the board on May 2nd, and that copies were available to members. Mr. Hamel reported that GCGA remains financially strong and that the board continues to make sound business decisions to keep the organization viable in the future. Dr. Tracy Irani Dr. Tracy Irani, Director of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture (PIE), was guest speaker at the Gulf Citrus Annual Meeting. She discussed the newly established PIE Center s efforts in working to bridge the communications gap between agriculture and its urban-oriented publics. Dr. Irani reported that the PIE Center is conducting research in order to assist agricultural communicators and organizations in making their messages stick with opinion leaders in rapidly urbanizing Florida communities. Her PowerPoint presentation showcased examples of messages that should be re-formulated based on the center s research. She offered the center s support for GCGA s future communications programs. Sponsors for the 26th Annual Luncheon were AgLime Sales, Citrus Expo, Plant Food Systems, Southern Gardens Citrus and Syngenta Crop Protection. GCGA s Scholarship Foundation Conducts Annual Meeting The Gulf Citrus Growers Association Scholarship Foundation conducted its Annual Meeting June 6th in conjunction with GCGA s 26th session. Norman Todd, past-president and board member presided at the meeting. He reported that during the founda- tion awarded $6000 in scholarships, and to date had awarded over $72,000. He reported that member renewals and requests for contributions had been sent out. The foundation membership re-elected Norm Todd and David Wheeler to three-year terms on its board. Gulf Citrus appreciates the support of The association does not endorse the goods or services promoted in this newsletter.

9 THANK YOU Gulf Citrus Growers Associate Members! FOR 20 YEARS OF SUPPORT Left to right: Wayne Simmons, GCGA s President; Shawn Barley, Wedgworth s, Inc.; David Thompson, Chemical Containers; Mark Creel, Creel Tractor Supply and Ron Hamel, GCGA s Executive Vice President. FOR 10 YEARS OF SUPPORT Left to right: Ron Hamel, GCGA s Executive Vice President; Craig Griffith, Triangle Chemical Company; Mike Taylor, Collier Enterprises and Wayne Simmons, GCGA s President. 10 Year Associates not photographed, but recognized: Agri-Planners, Inc.; Battery USA, Inc. and LeRoy Smith, Inc.

10 THANK YOU ASSOCIATE MEMBERS! Aglime Sales, Inc. Agri Planners, Inc. Agricultural Risk Management, LLC Agri-Property Consultants, Inc. AgroSource, Inc. Ag-Tronix, Inc. Air Cover U.S.A. American Ag Products Corporation Arcadia Citrus Enterprises, Inc. Asset Protection Partners of Central Florida Barron Collier Partnership & Affiliates BASF Corporation Battery USA, Inc. Bayer CropScience Becker Underwood, Inc. Blue Goose Growers Boy, Miller, Kisker & Perry, Inc. Brandt Consolidated Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. Bruce Hendry Insurance Caloosahatchee Management Campbell Insurance Car Two Carden & Associates, Inc. Career Solutions CenterState Bank Chemical Containers, Inc. Chemical Dynamics Chemtura AgroSolutions Collier Enterprises Contech Construction Products, Inc. Creel Tractor Company Custom Citrus Care, Inc. Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. Diamond R Fertilizer Co., Inc DLF International, Inc. DNE World Fruit Sales / Egan Packing, LLC Dundee Citrus Growers Assn. DuPont Crop Protection Durand-Wayland, Inc. Eastern Collier Chamber of Commerce Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. Everglades Companies Everglades Farm Equipment Farm Credit Leasing Farm Credit of Florida First Bank Fletcher Flying Service, Inc. Flo Tec, Inc. Florida Citrus Management, Inc. Florida Citrus Mutual Florida Citrus Service, Inc. Florida Coast Equipment Florida Community Bank Florida Grove Hedgers Florida Grower Magazine Florida Gulf Coast University College of Business Florida Orange Marketers Florida Southern College Horticulture Science Dept. Florida s Natural Growers FMC Corporation Agricultural Products G.P. Solutions, LLC. Gator Ag Group, Inc. Geo Ag Solutions Glade and Grove Supply Company, Inc. Gowan Company Greater LaBelle Chamber of Commerce Griffin Fertilizer Grimsley, Denise Gulf Citrus Properties, Inc. Gulfcoast Storage, LLC. Haines City CGA Helena Chemical Company Hendry Co. Cattlemen s Assn. Hendry/Glades Farm Bureau Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Company HSA Engineers & Scientists Hunt Brothers Cooperative Insurance Office of America JB Ranch JBT FoodTech Joe L. Davis, Inc. Realtors Johnson Engineering, Inc. Johnson-Prewitt & Associates, Inc. JR Harvesting, Inc. Kahn Citrus Management, LLC. Kelly Tractor KeyPlex LaBelle Grove Management LeRoy Smith, Inc. Louis Dreyfus Citrus, Inc. Lutgert Insurance Lykes Insurance, Inc. Magna-Bon II, LLC. MANA Maxijet, Inc. MetLife Agricultural Investments Monsanto Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Murray Consultants, Inc. MWI Corp., Ft. Myers Rental Division Newton Crouch, Inc. Nichino America Norris, Jack Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Oakley Groves, Inc. Oxbo International Pallet Recycle Paul Citrus, Inc. Pavese Law Firm Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc. PNC Bank Pratt Industries, Inc. Rabo AgriFinance Rayburn Companies, Inc. Rollins Real Estate, LLC Saunders Real Estate / Coldwell Banker Commercial Seald Sweet International South Florida Citrus Services, Inc. Southeast AgNet / Citrus Industry Magazine Southern Gardens Citrus Stallings Crop Insurance Corp. Stantec Steele Truck Center, Inc. Sun Country Citrus Hauling, Inc. SunTrust Bank Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. Temple Grove The Andersons, Inc. Thomas R. Summersill, Inc. Timac AGRO USA Tranex, Inc. d.b.a. Valencia Harvesting Triangle Chemical Company Tri-Co Supply, Inc. Tropicana Products, Inc. U.S. Weather Consultants, Inc. United Ag Services Valent USA Wallace International Trucks, Inc. Wedgworth s, Inc. Wellmark International Wells & Associates Insurance Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Wheeler Brothers, Inc. Willis of Florida Wiltshire, Whitley, et al Winfield Solutions Woodyard & Associates, LLC. Yara North America, Inc. FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND INTEREST!