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Cold Hardy Citrus Extension Program

Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture

Danielle Sprague Williams
Commercial Horticulture Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden County
Quincy

Team Members: Payne Smith, A*1, Martini, X2, Shahid, M3, Price, J4
  1. Commercial Horticulture, UF/IFAS Jackson County, Marianna, Florida, 32446
  2. Associate Professor, UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center, Quincy, Florida, 32351
  3. Assistant Professor, UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center, Quincy, Florida, 32351
  4. UGA Citrus Extension Agent, University of Georgia, Valdosta, Georgia, 31601

Abstract

In North Florida, there has been a growth in citrus production due to the relatively mild winters, advances in freeze protection, and cold hardy citrus varieties. In addition to this, there is a relatively low incidence of the citrus greening pathogen and its vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. Due to these factors, many growers have chosen to grow citrus to diversify their agricultural operation. Despite the growth in citrus production, there is a lack of knowledge for growers regarding citrus production practices. Many growers are completely new to the industry and have turned to citrus production to diversify their current operation, offering a major opportunity for citrus related educational programming. The goal of this regional program is for citrus growers in the region to expand their current level of production knowledge and implement best management practices on their operations. Educational activities include two annual production field days, and a quarterly newsletter targeted towards citrus growers in the region. Since 2022, program evaluations have indicated a 263/267 (98%) increase in knowledge of participants. Of those participants surveyed, 177/236 (75%) indicated that they planned to make a change to their operation as a result of the information presented and 74/138 (53%) indicated that they have already made a change. Educational field days paired with a quarterly newsletter have been successful methods of delivering educational content for cold hardy citrus growers.

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