Thank you to everyone who attended our 2023 Citrus Showcase last Thursday! We had a very strong showing of growers and industry partners in attendance and after two years of smaller shows due to Covid-19 we were thrilled to be back in full force. We were also able to accommodate an expanded agenda this year and offer more educational and networking opportunities to attendees. 
We would also like to thank all our exhibitors for making a great tradeshow. Our tradeshow floor was sold out with over 100 industry partners exhibiting the latest in citrus industry technology, research and products.
Our day started with a lively panel discussion on the state of the citrus industry. Panel members included Al Bates, President of Sun Pacific Shippers; Zak Laffite, President of Wonderful Citrus; Jim Phillips, President of Sunkist Growers; and Tracey Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Booth Ranches. The discussion was moderated by our own CEO/President Casey Creamer. Panelists discussed the outlook for next year’s crop, pricing, imports, the effect of inflation on growers and packers, consumer preferences, and the importance of good communication between growers, packers and marketers.
As part of this year’s expanded agenda we were able to offer far more continuing education (CE) courses than ever before. CE courses included seminars on Labor Laws, pest and disease management and were well attended.
A major highlight of the day way our sold-out Industry Lunch with keynote speaker Gregg Doud, Vice President of Global Situational Awareness & Chief Economist, and former Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Doud discussed global supply and demand and the effect China’s economy has on our own ag industry. He also gave valuable insight into how growers will need to adapt moving forward to keep up with our rapidly changing world and how technology will be the key.
The day wrapped up with our water panel discussion. Panelists included Jason Phillips, CEO, Friant Water Authority; Jon Parker, General Manager, Kern Water Bank; Joe Del Bosque, Farmer, and former California Water Commission Member; and Tim Quinn, former Executive Director of ACWA and Metropolitan Water District Deputy General Manager. While the panelist had differing views on the complex issue of water management all agreed that the only way to move forward was through collaboration and revisions to outdated water regulations. Panelists agreed that collaborative groups such as the Water Blueprint are key in moving forward and fixing California’s water issues.
We are thrilled with the turnout and success of this year’s Citrus Showcase and look forward to the continued growth this event in the future. Once again, thank you to those who came and participated. This event would not be possible without your support and engagement.
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