Mark Ritenour, professor of postharvest technology with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), joined the September episode of the All In For Citrus podcast to provide a recap of Packinghouse Day. The event was held Sept. 12 at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred.

Based at the Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce, Ritenour has worked with UF/IFAS for 26 years. Much of his research has focused on the fresh fruit industry. That is also the focus of Packinghouse Day, which marked its 63rd year in 2024.

Ritenour said despite the sharp contraction of the fresh citrus segment in recent years, Packinghouse Day has maintained a loyal following of growers, packers and stakeholders who value the meeting and the opportunity to get together with industry peers.

The educational program touched on a wide range of topics. Scott McClure, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, informed growers and packers about the services the agency offers to help prepare for food safety audits and other audits.

The meeting also addressed movement of fruit between states.

“There are agreements between Florida, Alabama and Georgia on the movement of fruit, but you must contact your respective departments of agriculture (and get clearance), along with preharvest grove inspections to get certificates to harvest the fruit and transport it across those boarders,” Ritenour said. “The good news is you can do it, and there are procedures in place (to accommodate the movement).”

There was a presentation from Paul Mears of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the phytosanitary requirements of key export markets for fresh citrus. Other topics addressed included disease management and requirements to avoid the potential of pest movement in shipments. Ritenour discusses these presentations in the podcast.

A highlight of Packinghouse Day was the John T. Lesley Award of Excellence presentation. The honor was first presented in 1981 to John T. Lesley for “recognition of an individual for outstanding leadership and service on behalf of the Florida fresh citrus industry.” This year’s winner is Lindsay Raley Jr. of Dundee Citrus Growers Association.

Also in the podcast, Michael Rogers, CREC director, provides a rundown of a busy slate of citrus events planned for this fall. Don’t miss the September episode of All In For Citrus. The podcast is a partnership between UF/IFAS and AgNet Media.