Fresh Coffee from Florida? Scientists are Brewing up the Possibility
Posted by Paul Rusnak|March 11, 2021
Coffee plants growing in Florida? Yes. Researchers at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra planted these adjacent to citrus. Climate change could make this caffeinated crop one to consider for growers in the Sunshine State.
Photo by Juan Giuliani
Despite coffee being one of the most traded, consumed, and enjoyed commodities worldwide, there aren’t many places on the planet that provide optimal growing conditions. Most of the locations are equatorial in nature. A changing climate though could expand the growing zone for coffee northward.
Shakeup at the Top of IMG Citrus and Cherrylake
Posted by Paul Rusnak|February 18, 2021
IMG Enterprises co-founder Michel Sallin and his daughter and now company co-CEO Melanie Ressler believe there is a good future for fresh fruit varieties in Florida.
Photo by Frank Giles
IMG Enterprises is no stranger to diversification over the years. It has been essential for success of the Central Florida-based agribusiness and its subsidiaries Cherrylake and IMG Citrus. The operation is now ready to make another move that will help fortify its future.
The company announced it has appointed Melanie Ressler, Timothee Sallin, and Chloe Gentry as co-CEOs. Michel Sallin, IMG Enterprises co-founder and previously sole CEO, is stepping back but will continue on the board of directors.
Pandemic or not, Punxsutawney Phil came out of his groundhog lockdown lair in Central Pennsylvania just long enough to see his shadow. Yep, that means six more weeks of winter for 2021, according to weather lore at least. But is there more to this tradition than just a party with copious press coverage and a large rodent at the center of it all?
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Last year, the famous groundhog reportedly did not see its shadow aka, early spring. Scientists from NOAA said in that case, Phil was accurate in his “prediction” as the contiguous U.S. saw above-average temperatures for both February and March 2020.
The Top Reasons Why We Believe in Florida Citrus
When HLB was confirmed in Florida in 2005, there were some pronouncements that trees infected with the disease would only survive for a few months, maybe a year. While the battle has been hard production has been reduced by 70% you are still producing fruit, and many believe the industry remains viable despite the disease.
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It is easy to understand why people inside and out of the citrus industry would be discouraged by HLB, given the stats and production curve. For that reason, we will be launching a new initiative here at