Category: VSC Expo

For nearly three decades, Citrus Expo has been the premier event that growers turn to for the latest information and products to run a successful operation. Although the annual in-person event took a hiatus this year to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual event saw tremendous success.

“In these unprecedented times, it was important for us to find ways to still provide growers with the education they need,” says Robin Loftin, president of AgNet Media. “That’s what this industry is all about, continuing to adapt to challenges as they come and finding ways to overcome them.”  

During the virtual two-day event that took place Aug. 19-20, over 1,100 participants logged into the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo to view the educational seminar programs and interact with vendors and event sponsors.

“We are extremely thrilled with this year’s turnout,” says Event Manager Josh McGill. “Despite the current situation, we were still able to provide a dynamic show packed with useful resources for the industry.”

McGill notes that by holding the event virtually, it reached its broadest audience ever. Attendees logged into the Expos from 31 different countries.
AgNet Media’s enthusiasm about the virtual event was also met by industry members.

“Congratulations on a fantastic virtual Citrus/VSC Expo. Very well organized and executed! I sure did miss the opportunity to meet and network with others, but since that wasn’t possible, you made the most of it by offering an event that shared timely and valuable information,” said Debra Fitzgerald, market intelligence analyst for ISK Biosciences.

Cacee Hilliard, Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES program coordinator, also offered words of gratitude regarding the event.

“I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work putting on a virtual Citrus Expo! I am so pleased with how our sponsorship has been used. I feel attendees will easily see and access our information,” she says.

For those who were not able to tune into the event, the general session, citrus, and VSC seminar programs and accompanying continuing education units will be available through the end of the year on CitrusExpo.net.
The Citrus Expo and VSC Expo team sincerely appreciates the participation of attendees and seminar speakers. A big thank you also goes to the sponsors and exhibitors who invested in the Expos. The annual event cannot happen without their continued support.

Furthermore, the Expo team appreciates the resiliency and passion found in Florida’s agriculture industry. Although it’s been a year unlike any other, growers continue to stand tall and provide for the world amid challenging times.

The 2021 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo are set to take place Aug. 18–19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. We hope to see you there!

The Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo is coming to you this year! The popular annual event will be virtual to present information to growers that they need in a safe way against the backdrop of COVID-19.

On Aug. 19–20, the 2020 seminar program will debut online at VSCExpo.com at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy videos of the research presentations from their computers or cell phones.

Some of the topics University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are planning to speak about in the vegetable and specialty crop program include:

• Emerging technology for vegetables
• New strawberry varieties for Florida
• Cover crops and fumigants for weed control in vegetables
• Mexican competition and the Florida fruit and vegetable industry
• Fumigant alternatives for nematode management in vegetable and specialty crops
• Tomato brown rugose fruit virus and resistance-breaking tospoviruses in tomatoes

To view the complete seminar schedule, including speakers and topics, click here.

Those who attend the seminars as they debut online will be eligible to win one of four $200 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops. Additionally, those who view the seminars will have the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs) toward the Florida restricted-use pesticide license and the Certified Crop Adviser designation. Stay tuned to find out how many CEUs will be available for each.

In addition to the vegetable and specialty crop seminar program, growers can take advantage of a full citrus seminar program. Both educational sessions contain a wealth of information relevant to all growers and industry members.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to the UF/IFAS researchers who have worked hard to plan and prepare the citrus, vegetable and specialty crop seminars.

AgNet Media Inc. is also excited to offer the third annual general session at the virtual event. We invite all growers to attend the general session where topics of broad interest and impacting all types of growers will be addressed.

During the general session, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Director of Cannabis Holly Bell will update on the state’s hemp program. Bell’s hemp talk was a hit at last year’s Expo, and we are excited to welcome her back to the event. She’ll discuss how the Florida hemp program is becoming the role model for the country.

Additionally, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner will speak on the impacts of imports from Mexico.

This year’s Citrus and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo offers plenty of flexibility since the seminar videos will remain online through the end of this year. It will be easier than ever to get the critical information you need. Those interested need to preregister to gain access to the programs. There is no cost to register.

We’ll see you online Aug. 19–20!

Written by Ashley Robinson