Growers interested in serving on the board of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus should send in their nominations by May 26.
The newly established Georgia Citrus Commission seeks five farmers who will serve on the board.
Qualified growers must have a minimum of 5 acres of trees and will commit to serving a 3-year term with the option for reappointment. Nominations can come from the individual seeking the appointment, from a person nominating another individual or from an affiliated organization.
Nomination forms are available here or by emailing andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.
Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association, encourages growers to serve on this board that will help steer the future path of Georgia’s citrus industry.
“It’s very important that people step up and want to serve in these positions, because this is what will pave the way for the future,” Savelle said. “Each year, we solicit people to serve on the Georgia Citrus Association board of directors. I’m starting to see an uptick in interest from people serving. I’m hoping that will also be reflected in the number of nominations that come in to be considered for the Georgia Citrus Commission.”
The Georgia Citrus Commission was created during the 2023 Georgia legislative session at the request of the state’s citrus producers. The bill was signed into law by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and became official April 18. Eventually, the commission will provide financial support for the industry from assessments used for research, education and promotion of Georgia citrus.
“The funds that come through the assessment will be pointed heavily in the research direction, which is what we’ve been asking for as an association for quite some time. Georgia is different than any other place that citrus is grown. The formation of a citrus commission speaks volumes as to the commitment of our legislators and the governor,” Savelle said. “Growers need to realize they’re behind us now.
“We also really want to educate people about, not only growing citrus, but the consumption of it. That ties hand-in-hand with the marketing aspect of the commission.”