Florida Citrus Commission Welcomes New Members

The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) welcomed new members recently. The FCC is the governing board of the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC). The Commission is a nine-member board appointed by the Governor to represent citrus growers, processors, and packers.

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Gov. Rick Scott reappointed Commissioner Michael Garavaglia of Vero Beach, and added Ned Hancock of Sebring, and Francisco Pines of Pinecrest to new terms. Each of the appointments was effective March 21, 2014, and runs through June 30, 2016, and is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

According to FDOC executive director Doug Ackerman, the appointments are great news for an organization gearing up for a busy year. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve Florida’s citrus growers each and every day. These appointments provide some valuable momentum as we plan for the new fiscal year and the challenges and opportunities that the industry faces.”

Garavaglia, president and general partner of The Packers of Indian River, has served on the Commission since 2009 and currently chairs the FCC’s international marketing committee.  Hancock, owner and president of Hancock Citrus, fills the seat vacated by Jay Clark, who had served on the Commission since 2010. Pines, owner and general counsel of Pines Ranch, fills the seat vacated by Michael Taylor, who had served on the Commission since 2007.

“Commissioner Garavaglia has been a crucial voice, and his expertise in fresh fruit and exports would have been difficult to replace at this time,” said Ackerman. “Of course, we will certainly miss Commissioners Clark and Taylor, both of whom added tremendously to our agency and the industry, but we know they had served well and are eager for new opportunities away from the demands of their commission seats. Commissioners Hancock and Pines will bring new insights and perspectives to an already strong organization. We are looking forward to their leadership at an exciting time for Florida citrus.”

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Source: FDOC 

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