Since my last column a lot has happened. Not only was the first USDA Citrus Crop Forecast released on January 12 (which was delayed during the government shutdown), but the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) and the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) have been hard at work on behalf of Florida Citrus.
While the initial forecast estimates a slightly smaller crop compared to last year, it is just that — a prediction. What we see on the ground with the current harvest and what we hear from growers in the field gives me hope for the future. Still, we have our constant challenges — citrus greening management and recent freeze watches have made our days long and our nights even longer. I’m hopeful that we will persevere and continue to replant for the future.
Commissioner Bill Poulton said at the January 21, 2026 FCC Meeting: “There’s no better people anywhere that I’ve ever worked with than the Florida Citrus grower. They are the heart and soul and backbone of this industry, and I have no doubt that with the leadership of Florida Citrus growers, this industry is going to see a new day and a better day.”
During the presentation from FDOC committees, we heard Dr. Marisa Zansler’s outlook for the 2025-2026 season, consumer sentiment, updates on current programs, and opportunities to market Florida Orange Juice and Florida Citrus based on these factors. These presentations are all available to view on FDOCgrower.com.
The recently released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were discussed at length and we remain well-positioned as the Original Wellness Drink™. Florida Orange Juice is “real food,” it has no added sugar, and it is recognized as a nutrient-dense complement to a balanced diet. And, of course, fresh citrus is even featured in the pyramid of the new DGAs.
Commissioner Poulton, after decades of incredible service to this industry, is retiring from Tropicana and will no longer serve on the FCC. We were able to recognize his service with a resolution, but I would be remiss if I didn’t say it one more time — Thank you, Bill, for everything you’ve done to see Florida Citrus succeed.
I am also pleased to announce Commissioner Melanie Ressler’s unanimous election as Vice Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission. With industry interest in seeing more of our crop move in the fresh market, Vice Chairman Ressler will be a thoughtful advisor to FDOC staff and to the FCC.
Just a couple reminders and important dates: The workshop for FDOC’s fresh marketing program will be on January 29 at 10:00 a.m. EST and the next FCC Meeting will be on March 18, 9:00 a.m. EST, which will both be held at the Florida Department of Citrus, 605 E. Main Street, Bartow.
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.