The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine recaps the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo that was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, for the first time. The two-day event was held on Aug. 16-17 and was a success according to event organizers and exhibitors that made the show a possibility.
Florida farmers are always seeking alternatives that can balance their crop portfolios. This is especially true since citrus acreage has declined in recent years. Crops like bamboo, artichoke and olive are viable options for growers in the Sunshine State.
Part of being a successful farmer is building a strong brand. Tiffany Bailey, owner of Honeyside Farms in Parrish, Florida, outlined ways that growers can help their farming operations make a name for themselves. This includes unique identity and storytelling, building trust with consumers, targeting specific marketing opportunities and emphasizing quality over quantity.
Kristen Van Gelder, a postdoctoral associate with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Gainesville, Florida, discusses replacing chemical fertilizer with nitrogen from soil bacteria.