Chairman Johnson: Numbers and Facts Are Better Than a Christmas Wish

If we all had one Christmas wish, I think some would say it would be to go back to the way it was in 2004, before citrus greening was discovered, and all its challenges ensued. Who knew 20 years ago that we'd be where we are today? Looking back, I can say nothing could further convince me of our industry's resilience, determination, and ingenuity. Yes, the industry has been battered and trimmed back, like a damaged tree from a hurricane. Yes, we've simultaneously dealt with other diseases, Acts of God, and population growth that's shrinking our available acreage. But you already know where we've been. What I'm here to remind you of is where we're headed. The path forward is not easy. It never has been, and it never will be.

With all of the research fueling our future and the technological advancements making their way into commercial viability, the almost-20-year anniversary of citrus greening being discovered finds us at the precipice of a turning point- a leap forward towards a resurgence for the industry. I'm not saying we almost have the "silver bullet" solution- in fact, I'm stating the opposite of that. I'm stating that instead of a silver bullet (or Christmas wish, you might as well say), we're presented with multiple tools and new methods to make our industry better and stronger than it has ever been. We knew it wouldn't happen overnight, or by any stretch of the imagination easily, but change for the better rarely is.

Let's look at some facts:

• Thanks to the awareness efforts from our Global Marketing Department, the demand for Florida Orange Juice is strong despite the challenges of economic inflation, especially domestically. Based on the most recent data from our Economic/Market Research Department, the impact of promotional awareness from the 2023-24 season resulted in an extra 75.72 million gallons sold (that's an extra 13.77 million boxes).
• The FCC recently held two emergency rulemaking meetings on Nov. 21 and Dec. 2, and during both we unanimously passed some revisions to the maturity standards for grapefruit and oranges, providing immediate relief that will help maximize the number of fruits that make it to the packing house post Hurricane Milton.
• Additionally, during the Nov. 21 FCC Meeting, one new rootstock and five new citrus varieties were unanimously approved to exercise first option for licensing exclusively to Florida commercial citrus growers for up to eight years. The varieties that were passed each have notable tolerance to HLB, and display some form of improved color, brix, and juice scores. The six varieties are: N14-10 Hamlin, OLL-DC-3-40 Sweet Orange, OLL-DC-3-36 Sweet Orange, C4-10-42 Mandarin Hybrid, RBA 13-18 Mandarin Hybrid, and Orange 14 Rootstock.

While the emergency rulemaking changes will provide immediate help for the remaining 2024-25 harvest season, I am hopeful that the new varieties recently approved for commercial availability will prove to have long-term positive effects for the seasons to come.

We must keep up the good fight against greening while resetting and planting these new HLB-tolerant varieties. The reality of the future that waits for those of us who do is much better than what we could ever wish for.

Steve Johnson is Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, which oversees the Florida Department of Citrus. He is the owner and general manager of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., based in Wauchula, FL.