Steve Johnson, chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, reflected on Feb. 20 about the deep roots of Florida Citrus in American history and its continued importance as the United States marks its 250th year.
Johnson said that the story of Florida Citrus is closely tied to the values on which America was founded. He described how generations of families have faced challenges such as disease, freezes, and hurricanes while building a thriving citrus industry. “At the heart of it, Florida Citrus is the story of the American dream, and that’s why the nation fell in love with it — and loves it still,” Johnson said.
He also highlighted recent marketing efforts designed to keep Florida Citrus prominent in consumers’ minds. These include Commissioner Emma Ezell’s comments featured on Tasting Table, mocktail offerings at Tampa Bay Lightning games, and Registered Dietitian Annessa Chumbley discussing heart health benefits related to citrus products during NEWS4JAX’s River City Live broadcast on Feb. 20.
The Florida Department of Citrus supports an industry that employs more than 32,500 people and has an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion according to the official website. The department operates under an 11-member commission appointed by the governor representing growers, processors, and packers according to the official website. Most groves are family-owned by multi-generational growers according to the official website.
Funding for these activities comes from assessments paid by growers for each box of citrus produced according to the official website. In addition to supporting jobs and business activity, tax revenues from citrus contribute funding for schools, roads, and health care services across communities according to the official website.
Johnson emphasized that telling this story remains essential: “If a story is not told, it runs the risk of being forgotten.” He invited interested parties to attend updates at their next scheduled meeting on March 18 at FDOC headquarters in Bartow.
