Florida citrus growers explore opportunities in olive production
CA olive experts provided seminar to growers
By: Ryan Raiche
ABC Action
CA olive experts provided seminar to growers
By: Ryan Raiche
ABC Action
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. - Citrus growers from around the state are exploring a new option that may complement the production of oranges.
On Thursday, the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred brought in experts on olive production from California.
Doctor Jackie Burns, director of the center, says many citrus growers came to her with inquiries on growing the crop.
“I think our citrus growers are very much innovative,” she said. “They are thinking of ways to always fill their land, and create more opportunities for themselves.”
Between citrus greening disease and the latest PR problem with imported orange juice, citrus growers have had a tough few years, and many are not shying away from new opportunities.
Growers who attended Thursday’s seminar got to try a variety of olives, taste olive oil, and learn what it will take to tap into the market.
The experts said there is a demand for domestically grown olives because most are imported from other parts of the world.
But growing this crop comes with its fair share of risk.
“This is not a slam dunk, because this is a really peculiar crop that needs really specific things in order to flower and fruit,” said Paul Vossen, a farm advisor from California.
Vossen said that olives thrive in a dry climate where it’s not too hot and not too cold. He also said a rain during bloom season could wipe out the crop.
The risk is worth a shot for Darren and Heather Jackson who plan to get into the olive industry here in Florida.
“We just love olives,” Darren said. “There’s always a risk with anything you do, especially farming, so we’re just trying to do as much research as we can ahead of time, and minimize the risk as much as possible.”
If all goes as planned, the Jackson’s will start planting olive trees on 18 acres of their farm, Suwannee River Olives in Mayo, FL.
It will take about three years before the trees produce a crop. If successful, the Jacksons plan to expand to up to 200 acres.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
By: Ryan Raiche
ABC Action
CA olive experts provided seminar to growers
By: Ryan Raiche
ABC Action
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. - Citrus growers from around the state are exploring a new option that may complement the production of oranges.
On Thursday, the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred brought in experts on olive production from California.
Doctor Jackie Burns, director of the center, says many citrus growers came to her with inquiries on growing the crop.
“I think our citrus growers are very much innovative,” she said. “They are thinking of ways to always fill their land, and create more opportunities for themselves.”
Between citrus greening disease and the latest PR problem with imported orange juice, citrus growers have had a tough few years, and many are not shying away from new opportunities.
Growers who attended Thursday’s seminar got to try a variety of olives, taste olive oil, and learn what it will take to tap into the market.
The experts said there is a demand for domestically grown olives because most are imported from other parts of the world.
But growing this crop comes with its fair share of risk.
“This is not a slam dunk, because this is a really peculiar crop that needs really specific things in order to flower and fruit,” said Paul Vossen, a farm advisor from California.
Vossen said that olives thrive in a dry climate where it’s not too hot and not too cold. He also said a rain during bloom season could wipe out the crop.
The risk is worth a shot for Darren and Heather Jackson who plan to get into the olive industry here in Florida.
“We just love olives,” Darren said. “There’s always a risk with anything you do, especially farming, so we’re just trying to do as much research as we can ahead of time, and minimize the risk as much as possible.”
If all goes as planned, the Jackson’s will start planting olive trees on 18 acres of their farm, Suwannee River Olives in Mayo, FL.
It will take about three years before the trees produce a crop. If successful, the Jacksons plan to expand to up to 200 acres.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
