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GROWING AND MARKETING SATSUMA MANDARINS AS A COMMERCIAL CROP IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA

Extension Education

Jake Price
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Valdosta

Abstract

Satsumas are citrus fruits similar in size to tangerines.  The fruit is sweet, easy to peel, and seedless, which makes them a great fit for school lunches.  They have been growing in southern and coastal Georgia for decades with no attempt to make them a commercial crop because of potential cold damage.   With new freeze protection methods such as windbreaks, irrigation techniques, and improved rootstocks, satsumas can become a commercial crop.  The Lowndes County Extension office worked with a local nurseryman and an extension agent in Florida to plan a half day meeting to address the possibilities of growing and marketing satsumas.  A total of 85 people were in attendance at the meeting from numerous counties in Georgia as well as Florida and Alabama.  89% of attendees considered themselves farmers or small landowners.  On average, the audience said their knowledge of Satsuma production increased 60%.  100% said the information gained at this meeting was helpful in their decision of whether or not to grow satsumas.  The director of the Lowndes County School Food and Nutrition program explained to the audience how satsumas could become part of the school lunch menus.   There are over 18,000 school lunches served per day to Lowndes County students.  The potential school system market in Georgia represents a tremendous opportunity to market these high quality citrus fruits.  Since the August meeting, two citrus nurseries in Alabama and Louisiana have sold 2,000 satsumas trees to customers in Georgia.  This represents about 20 acres of trees.   

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: J. Price, D. Fenneman, J. Shealey, G. Nichols, T. Price
  1. Price, J. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31601
  2. Fenneman, D. County Extension Coordinator, Madison County Florida, Florida, 32340
  3. Shealey, J. County Extension Coordinator, Echols County Extension Coordinator, Georgia, 31648
  4. Nichols, G. Extension Agent, Brooks County, Georgia, 31643
  5. Price, T. County Extension Coordinator, Cook County, Georgia, 31643