By Clint Thompson
The Florida Citrus Show on Thursday provided attendees a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate style format; all happening in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Attendees flocked to South Florida to learn about how different trends are impacting the citrus and specialty crop industries through the various seminar sessions. They also had an opportunity to meet and greet with vendors along with sampling delicious delicacies.
Morgan Assaf, show organizer for AgNet Media, recounted the fun-filled day that included vital information for citrus growers attempting to stay viable amid citrus greening disease.
“We had a great turnout. It was a very successful event and fun day. We had lots of growers from all over the Southeast that came down to South Florida. We had some citrus sessions, some specialty crop sessions and then ended the day off with a tailgate party with exhibitors and lots of good food. It was just a good time overall,” Assaf said.
The event was held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce. Assaf highlighted the tailgate format which has helped transform the event in recent years.
“We have exhibitors all year long, planning what they’re going to be making for the next year’s Florida Citrus Show. The attendees can go around and try all of the different foods and they even to get to vote for their favorite,” Assaf said. “We ended up with a winner at the end of the event. It’s super fun to have that twist.”