Florida Citrus Mutual

TRI NGLEVolume 65, Edition 11, MARCH 18, 2016

The 2016 session in Tallahassee is over and by anyone’s estimation it was a complete success for the Florida cit-rus industry.

The final appropriations approved by the Legislature and submitted to the Governor directly related to citrus total more than $30 million dollars.

“I offer a sincere thank you to Gov-ernor Scott, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Senate President Gar-diner and Speaker Crisafulli as well as Reps. Albritton, Corcoran, Gaetz and Raburn and Senators Galvano, Grims-ley, Hays, Hutson, Lee and Stargel,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “It’s nice to know we have a group of legis-lators and leaders at the state level who understand the challenges we face as well as our importance to Florida. Tell them thanks when you see them.”

Here are the highlights from the 2016 session:

Citrus Related Appropriations Citrus Research and Develop-• ment Foundation (CRDF) - $8 million. Citrus Crop Decline Supplemen-• tal Funding -$2 million - these dollars will supplement revenue lost from the citrus inspection trust fund due to HLB.Citrus Health Response Pro-• gram (CHRP) - $7,693,329 Supplement for CHMA & MAC • - $4,500,000 Citrus Budwood Facility - •

2016 A Banner Session for Citrus in Tallahassee

(Please see Tallahassee continued on page 3.)

Growers Urged to Follow Bactericides LabelsFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam in early March de-

clared an agricultural crisis which allows growers to use three bactericides in foliar applications to combat HLB.

It is essential growers make sure they carefully follow the guidelines spelled out in Commissioner Putnam’s declaration letter if they use any of the bactericide products.

“We appreciate Commissioner Putnam taking action on this very impor-tant issue,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Keep in mind growers, deviation from the label is against the law and could jeopardize the longer term approval of bactericides. When the EPA approves the Section 18 exemption the label could change so growers need to stay on top of the latest news.”

Putnam exercised his crisis authority under the emergency exemp-tions provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The bactericides are Streptomycin Sulfate (FireWall™ 50WP, AgroSource Inc),Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride (FireLine™ 17WP, AgroSource Inc), and Oxytetracycline Calcium Complex (Mycoshield®, Nufarm Americas Inc.)

You Are CordiAllY invited to AFriends oF Florida agriculture BarBecue

Honoring

adam PutnamCommissioner of AgriCulture

feAturing republiCAn u.s. senAte CAndidAtes

CongressmAn ron desAntis, lt. governor CArlos lópez-CAnterA & todd WilCox

saturday, aPril 2, 201612:00 Pm

Ben Hill griFFin’s Peace river rancH

1445 ben Hill griffin roAd

zolfo springs, fl 33890$25 Per Person ~ $50 Per Family ~ Kids come Free

to purCHAse tiCkets plesAe visit WWW.floridAgroWn.eventbrite.Com

or rsvp to Julie fAzekAs At rsvp@AdAmputnAm.Com or 863.537.7001

(Please see Declaration continued on page 4.)

The nominees for the 2016-17 Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Direc-tors have been submitted and certi-fied. Mutual members will vote on the following nominees at the upcoming elections which will coincide with Mutual’s Area Meetings across the state throughout the month of April.

District 1 (1 Director): David Evans, Sr.District 2 (1 Director): Tim PhilmonDistrict 3 (1 Director)*: Bill Len-non, Glenn BeckDistrict 4 (2 Directors): Robert E. Battaglia and Richard H. FreemanDistrict 5 (1 Director): Daniel Sk-ousenDistrict 6 (4 Directors): Larry Black, Dennis Broadaway, Kenneth DeV-ane and Kyle StoryDistrict 7 (3 Directors): Kevin Ko-ppleman**, Tom Mitchell and Mi-chael MonroeDistrict 8 (2 Directors): Fran Becker and Steve SorrellsDistrict 9 (3 Directors): John Barben, Michael Prescott and Andy RussellDistrict 10 (3 Directors): Charles Lucas, Paul Meador, and Mark WheelerGrower members unable to attend

the elections may request an absen-tee ballot by calling 863.682.1111 or writing to Florida Citrus Mutual, 411 E. Orange St., Lakeland FL 33801 at least 7 days prior to election.

All absentee ballots must be com-pleted and returned to Mutual at least 2 days prior to the election.

*District 3 is the only contested elec-tion for the 2016-2017 season. One Director will be chosen to replace re-tiring Director Rex Clonts.

**Kevin Koppleman will replace retiring Director Tom Jerkins for the 2016-2017 season.

Slate Set for 2016-17 FCM Elections This year Florida Citrus Mutual will once again combine its area meetings

with its annual elections. Area meetings and elections will be held at the fol-lowing dates and locations (all meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served):

District 8, 9 & 10:• April 8, ‘The Linda Lou’ (Jay Clark’s Ranch), Wauchula Districts 1, 2, 3 & 4: • April 15, Lake County Ag Center, TavaresDistrict 7:• April 21, USDA Lab, Ft. PierceDistricts 5 & 6: • April 27, WH Stuart Ag Center, BartowIf you have any questions about the election process, please feel free

to contact Kevin Metheny at (863) 682-1111.

2016-17 FCM Area Meetings & Elections

Fresh Citrus UpdateSeason Through 3/13/2016

ORANGES* GRAPEFRUIT2015 16 2014 15 2015 16 2014 15

UTILIZATION (1,000 1 3/5 bushel boxes)Week To Date Week To Date Week To Date Week To Date

Fresh 96 2,008 106 2,399 129 4,215 181 4,861Process 3,579 43,657 388 45,090 378 4,966 458 4,643Total 3,675 45,665 494 47,489 507 9,181 639 9,504Remainder 24,485 48,446 1,069 2,953

FRESH SHIPMENTS (1,000 4/5 bu. Cartons)Week To Date Week To Date Week To Date Week To Date

E Mids* 0 2,104 11 2,336 Red 241 8,429 362 9,725Navels 4 1,053 5 1,576 Wht 18 1,009 24 1,034Valencia 188 735 197 567Total 192 3,892 213 4,479

* Includes Ambersweet Source: Citrus Admin. Committe

Citrus Juice StatisticsFlorida Processor Statistics Report Summary (Oct-Sep)

W/E February 27, 2016 Report #21

$510,000 Department of Citrus

New Varieties Program - • $650,000 - recurring Florida Department of Citrus • marketing activities - $7 mil-lion with $5 million recur-ring

In addition to the appropriations, there are a couple of general policy measures germane to citrus:

A sales tax exemption for fresh • fruit and vegetable packing-houses on equipment purchased, repairs to existing equipment, and labor. The House bill has passed and the Senate has in-cluded this provision in their tax cut package. Special Assessments on Agri-• culture Land - Prohibits Coun-ties and Municipalities from levying or collecting special assessments on agriculture lands for fire protection servic-es. This exemption also applies to pole barns but does not in-clude residential dwellings or nonresidential farm buildings. Both the House and Senate bills have passed their respec-tive committees of reference and are ready for floor votes. A proposal has been approved • in both the House and the Sen-ate that provides groves taken out of production due to dis-ease retain their agriculture assessment for a period of five years at a de minimis value of no more than $50 per acre.

Sparks continued, “Thank you to the FCM Board, growers and FDOC staff and Commissioners who took part in communicating the state of the industry in Tallahassee. Your hard work paid off.”

(Tallahassee continued from page 1.)

14-15 15-16 % Chg 14-15 15-16 % Chg

Beg. Inventory 274.1 289.3 6% 18.9 16.1 -15%Fruit 51.9 52.0 0% 10.5 9.8 -7%Imports & Other 94.7 69.7 -26% 6.9 5.0 -27%

Movement 134.7 161.7 20% 7.8 6.9 -12%

End Inventory 286.1 249.2 -13% 23.3 20.9 -10%Weeks Supply 44.6 32.4 -27% 62.4 63.9 2%

White MM PS> 9.3 12.0 29%Red MM PS => 14.0 8.9 -36%

Beg. Inventory 213.8 227.8 7% 12.2 9.5 -22%Fruit 196.2 159.5 -19% 4.9 10.2 110%Imports & Other 27.3 27.7 2% -0.1 1.3 -2250%

Movement 198.3 188.6 -5% 6.5 6.5 1%

End Inventory 238.4 224.3 -6% 8.8 14.6 65%Weeks Supply 25.2 25.0 -1% 28.7 47.1 64%

2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16

Concentrate 9.3 9.2 -1% 2.2 2.1 -7%NFC 33.8 28.0 -17% 1.0 2.2 123%

% NFC 78.4% 75.2% 31.0% 51.8%

Final Priced 4.4 1.8 -59% 0.9 1.2 34%Intermediate 28.4 28.5 0% NA NA

Non-Priced 7.8 6.9 -12% 2.4 3.1 33%

Canner's A 2014-15 2015-16 % Chg 2014-15 2015-16 % ChgE&M(White) 1.94$ 1.89$ -3% 1.28$ 1.81$ 41%

Valencia(Red) NA 2.25$ 0% 0.77$ 1.85$ 141%Mutual Mostly

E&M 1.90$ 2.14$ 13%Valencia 2.43$ 2.35$ -3%

Post-Estimate #2E&M(White) 1.94$ 2.12$ 9% 1.35$ NA 0%

Valencia(Red) NA NA 0% 1.36$ 1.92$ 41%FCOJ Futures 1.39$ 1.35$ -3%

14-15 15-16 % Chg 14-15 15-16 % ChgVolume

Total 203.1 193.6 -4.7% 5.79 5.53 -4.5%NFC 122.1 118.7 -2.8% 3.78 3.62 -4.2%

Recon OJ/SS GJ 71.9 66.5 -7.5% 1.56 1.46 -6.4%

14-15 15-16 % Chg 14-15 15-16 % ChgAll Imports 134.1 82.4 -39% 1.32$ 1.21$ -8%Brazil

NFC 27.4 20.0 -27% 1.43$ 1.52$ 6%Concentrate 89.3 37.6 -58% 1.16$ 0.85$ -27%

All OthersNFC 3.0 4.0 33% 1.63$ 1.64$ 0%

Concentrate 14.3 20.9 46% 2.07$ 1.49$ -28%

Sources: FDOC. FCM. AC Nielsen. International Commodity Exchange. US Dept. of Commerce.

FCGJ (Million PS)FCOJ (Million PS)

Movement: Packaged and Bulk

AvailabilityAvailability

Goods on Hand

Goods on Hand

Movement: Packaged and Bulk

Goods on Hand

COJ (Million PS) CGJ (Million PS)

Season-to-Date Season-to-Date

Movement: Packaged and Bulk

Utilization of Oranges (MM Boxes) Utilization of GFT (MM Boxes)

Availability Availability

Movement: Packaged and Bulk

Goods on Hand

ORG Pricing Categories (MM Boxes) GFT Pricing Categories (MM Boxes)

ORG Price Indicators ($/PS) GFT Price Indicators ($/PS)

ACN: Retail Sales of OJ (MM SSE) ACN: Retail Sales Of GJ (MM SSE)

STD: October - December STD: October - December

STD: Oct 4, 2015 thru Feb 20, 2016 STD: Oct 4, 2015 thru Feb 20, 2016

US Customs: OJ Imports (MM SSE) US Customs: OJ Imports ($/SSE)

Florida citrus growers can now use any of the products until the Environmental Protection Agency completes its re-view of the Section 18 petition submitted by FDACS. The EPA has not given a time frame to complete the review.

Use of these bactericides is governed by the conditions described in a letter to EPA from Commissioner Putnam. Growers who use these products during the crisis period and beyond must have copies of the letter.

To view the letter go to http://files.ctctcdn.com/168a5f59201/e7bd14cf-0a3a-4f5c-9d3d-66ac12574bbc.pdf

(Declaration continued from page 1.)

More than 100 people attended a March 10 fundraiser for Congressman Tom Rooney at Streamsong Resort. Former Mutual Board member and recent Hall of Fame honoree Vic Story introduced Rep. Rooney saying he is one of citrus’ biggest champions in Congress. Rooney said he understands the issues facing Florida citrus growers and he will do all he can to support them.

Save the date and plan on attending the

2nd Annual FCM FedPAC Clay Shoot

on Friday, April, 29th at the FFA Training Center,

5000 Firetower Road in Haines CityThere will be sponsorship opportunities

available as well with special recognition at the event. A strong FedPAC not only helps our allies get elected, it also opens doors in

Washington, D.C. Let’s make this year’s clay shoot a huge success!

Contact Clark Baxley at 863-682-1111 or clarkb@flcitrusmutual.com for more info.

Nearly 375 attendees gathered to celebrate three dis-tinguished members of the Florida citrus industry as they were inducted in to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, March 11 during a ceremony at Florida Southern College.

Included in this year’s class of inductees were Dr. William S. “Bill” Castle, of Lake Alfred; John C. “Jack” Norris, of Palm City; and Victor B. “Vic” Story, Jr., of Lake Wales.

Dr. Bill Castle is internationally recognized as the leading authority on rootstocks, and the entire Florida citrus industry has been shaped by his work. His research has resulted in improved citrus scions and rootstocks, orchard designs and management of high density plantings, citrus propagation and pre-plant ex-pert systems, windbreak design and establishment, along with pomegranate cultivars and plantings. He did significant work in developing new sweet oranges, with focus on early-maturing selections with better juice color and flavor, to improve the not-from-concentrate (NFC) product.

Jack Norris is a native Floridian who has devoted countless hours of service to industry, educational, and civic organizations while working in top management positions at major corpora-tions such as Coca-Cola Foods and Turner Foods Corporation. During his tenure with Coca-Cola Foods, Norris and his team worked closely with UF/IFAS and USDA/ARS researchers, as well as private companies, to pursue innovative solutions in the areas of production, harvesting, labor, and marketing that bene-fitted the entire industry. Under Norris’ leadership, Turner Foods grew into one of the largest citrus growing operations in Florida and by the early ‘90s the company had acquired approximately 20,000 acres of citrus properties in the state.

Vic Story, Jr. is known throughout the industry for his hard work, multi-generational business and his world class produc-tion techniques. He serves as president of The Story Companies, a well-respected grove management and fruit marketing opera-tion based in Lake Wales. Vic and his father grew the family business from 100 acres to 2,500 acres in Central and South Florida, and The Story Companies now owns and manages more than 7,000 acres of citrus with 30 full time employees.

Mutual congratulates all of the inductees on this honor. Additional photos can be found on page 5.

Three Inducted in to Citrus Hall of Fame at 54th Celebration Luncheon

2016 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony & Celebration Luncheon

CITRUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

GROWER RESEARCH REPORTVolume 5, Issue 5 March 2016

700 Experiment Station Road Lake Alfred FL 33850 863-956-8742 citrusrdf.org

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

Most meetings are held in the Ben Hill Griffin Hall at the UF-IFAS, CREC campus in Lake Alfred, Florida.

3/22/16 - Board of Directors Meeting 9:30 am

Putnam Declares Crisis Allowing Growers to Use BactericidesFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam in early March declared a citrus crisis which allows growers to use three bactericides in foliar applications to enhance the overall tree health of HLB infected trees in Florida groves. Putnam exercised this authority under the Emergency Exemp-tions provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The bactericides are Streptomycin Sulfate (FireWall™ 50WP, AgroSource Inc),Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride (FireLine™ 17WP, AgroSource Inc.), and Oxytetracycline Calcium Complex (Mycoshield®, Nufarm Americas Inc.)Florida citrus growers can now use any of the products until the Environmental Protection Agency completes its review of the Section 18 petition submitted by FDACS. The EPA has not given a time frame to complete the review. For maximum efficacy the products need to be applied during maximum flush of young leaves at the appropriate use rate and finished spray volume to ensure coverage of the young foliage. Use of these bactericides is governed by the condi-tions described in the Crisis Declaration letter to EPA from Commissioner Putnam. To view the letter go to http://files.ctctcdn.com/168a5f59201/e7bd14cf-0a3a-4f5c-9d3d-66ac12574bbc.pdfGrowers who use these products during the crisis period and beyond must have copies of the letter.

Growers Need to Follow Law! It is essential growers make sure they carefully follow the guidelines spelled out in Commissioner Putnam’s declaration letter if they use any of the three bactericide products. Growers should be especially diligent in their use of these products and recognize the importance of maintaining the ac-tive ingredient rotation for resistance management, and the use conditions concerning worker re-entry and pre-harvest intervals. Deviation from the legal use could jeopardize the longer term approval of bactericides. When the EPA approves the Section 18 exemption, details could change, so growers need to stay

on top of the latest news. The good news is the timing of the declaration is right to apply during the spring flush. Younger trees are expect-ed to show best efficacy and earliest response. Will these products improve yield, maintain yield or slow decline? We do not have enough data at this point to answer that definitively. However, evidence from field research on these materials indicates improvement in tree health and preliminary gains in fruit production. This season of use will help answer many questions. CRDF is communicating with many growers who plan to collect data on performance in their groves with specific programs they plan to use this season. This will provide significant additional information on performance and benefit of these materials across a seasonal program of use.

Dr. Harold Browning, Chief Operations Officer of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, recently testified in front of the Congressional Citrus Caucus in Washington D.C. Browning gave an update on HLB research to the Caucus, which is chaired by Rep. Tom Rooney, (R-FL). Rooney said he is encouraged by the progress of the research and he is optimistic growers will soon be given additional tools to fight HLB.

CITRUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

GROWER RESEARCH REPORTVolume 5, Issue 5 Page 2

700 Experiment Station Road Lake Alfred FL 33850 863-956-8742 citrusrdf.org

Dr. Harold Browning gave the following speech to the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association Annual Meeting on March 3, 2016 in Sebring.The CRDF remains focused on the prize: tools and tactics that retain productivity of current tree inventories while long-term solu-tions are developed, tested and delivered. We balance three goals that are sometimes blurred, but are individually important:

Promote sustained or improved health of your trees and groves that are infected and declining from impacts of the disease 1. and its stressesDirectly attack the bacteria responsible for the disease and its vector2. Develop management systems to support replanting of citrus trees in this hostile environment 3.

Over recent months, CRDF has been evaluating how to best move forward under the prevailing conditions to focus on out-comes:

Tools and strategies that already are available and how best to incorporate these into management systems1. New tools that are emerging from research, private industry and from growers 2.

We at CRDF are evaluating the current portfolio of projects to determine where opportunities exist to move results to the field. With outside assistance, we are looking to streamline efforts on those topics which hold the greatest promise from the 10-year investment portfolio in discovery and developmental research.With this focus, CRDF will direct future resources to fewer strategies, those showing greatest promise, and commit dedicated ef-fort to ensure that they are moving forward as quickly as possible.An important element of the success in attracting and utilizing new funds and other resources to address HLB is coordination of the universe of efforts that is resulting from this success. Recent meetings with federal funding programs and with our colleagues in California and Texas indicate the desire on all fronts to work together to solve this challenge, and there continues to be consen-sus that Florida is the proving ground for HLB ideas and solutions.CRDF also recognizes that the best use of emerging tools and tactics will be determined in the field; perhaps first by the scientific method that can tease out differences in treatments empirically; but also importantly, through the adoption of research and dem-onstration that is going on throughout the industry by you and your colleagues, working closely with the scientists. One doesn’t have to look far to see grower trials, to hear sharing of experiences, and unfortunately, to learn what “isn’t making a big difference at this point”.HLB is a very complex disease system nested in a complicated and challenging production system. It has challenged our knowl-edge of how citrus grows, and has challenged how we grow citrus. The best scientists have been tasked to unravel this complex system. While they don’t walk in your shoes, it is clear that they understand and respect the difficulties that this disease is causing you. I met yesterday with two scientists at UF, whose labs are in the Genetics Institute in Gainesville, across the hall from a cancer genetics research program. Their HLB research is housed in greenhouses on the 6th floor of the building, full of plants that are being treated with candidate solutions. These two well-respected scientists have committed to help in finding solutions to HLB, and are gearing up to take their work to the field. Their initial work was supported by CRDF, and now they are recipients of Farm Bill HLB Funding. Without being asked, they indicated that their goal is simple: help find a solution. Their families are grounded in citrus farming in their home country in South America, and they understand the need to beat this disease. All this to emphasize that the researchers are in step with you, the growers, with downstream businesses that rely on this industry for their well-being, and with elected officials who have supported your efforts. We are all in.

Browning Addresses Industry at HCCGA Annual Meeting

(Continued on page 3.)

So, looking to this next season, what can we expect?Availability of bactericides to initiate treatment of infected trees. We remain confident that approval of the petition for use 1. in 2016 will be granted. CRDF is working with registrants and with IFAS Extension to provide best information on how these materials can be used, based on available information. We will continue with field research to refine uses and address any questions surrounding these tools once they are approved.Behind this outcome, field trials are in place for next steps: i. Additional bactericides that will complement available tools ii. Refining application methods to increase effectiveness and reduce costs iii. Looking to new materials for sustained therapy iv. Stewardship of bactericides necessary to preserve their useA newly organized effort to accelerate tolerant resistance in rootstocks and scions. The pipeline has delivered a number of 2. new rootstocks and scions, and CRDF is dedicated to open this pipeline up even further. Our support for commercial-scale plantings of new UF rootstocks in 2015 is one example.

a. Coordination with/between citrus breeding teams b. Strengthen the information from grower field trials c. Install a new side-by-side comparison program to bring resistance forward as rapidly as possible

We know resistance is long-term, but citrus breeding has been ongoing for decades, and some products are emerging now.A significant effort to eliminate unmanaged groves is being undertaken, led by FDACS. The initiative has gained momen-3. tum and will take the next steps in reducing both vector populations and bacterial reservoirs from outside your groves. This action will significantly impact in a very positive way the management tools that you are currently using, and will ulti-mately slow the spread of HLB to new groves as they are planted. I challenge you to imagine how your management would change if you only have to be concerned about your in-grove ACP populations and infected trees.Integration of all tools available to maximize benefit. This is important for existing groves in which tree health management 4. is critical to sustained citrus supply. This is equally important for management of new groves.One aspect of this is the effort to learn from grower experiences. CRDF has attempted over time to capture case study in-formation on how tools are being used in systems that are “beating the odds”. We continue to look for ways to assist in the grower to grower communications, and to provide a way to analyze “successes.” This includes trees, groves and cultivars which appear to be performing above average in the HLB environment.Finally, we must all keep an eye out for the opportunity to embrace new ideas. It has been said in many different ways……. 5. “the ultimate solution to HLB likely will include things we haven’t discovered or thought of yet”.

CRDF is your organization. The board, staff, project managers and all who are recipients of support from you remain committed to fight this disease. I would like to acknowledge those in attendance who serve on CRDF board or committees, and publicly thank them for their commitment to serving on your behalf.I have commented previously that the search for solutions to HLB is a quest.One definition is “A quest is all about seeking something important, and it often involves a journey”. We can imagine the end point and the prize, but the pathway to achieve the goal is not clear. We have been and are on that pathway with uncertain footing, and not sure how close we are to the goal. However, that goal is still as clear as when we began: To provide solutions for Florida growers to be successful in the face of HLB.

CITRUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

GROWER RESEARCH REPORTVolume 5, Issue 5 Page 3

700 Experiment Station Road Lake Alfred FL 33850 863-956-8742 citrusrdf.org

(Continued from page 2.)