Winner’s View: Jerry Newlin On Industry Challenges

Winner's View

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In each of the last three issues, Florida Grower’s Citrus Achievement Award winner Jerry Newlin has addressed several important topics of the day. This month, Orange-Co’s vice president of citrus operations takes on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), marketing, regulatory issues, and more.

There has been recent discussion about GAPs in citrus in Florida. Give us an update on the process and the role of GAPs in production and marketing.
Newlin: “In anticipation of the FDA’s new food safety regulations, various industry organizations spearheaded an effort to create a standard GAPs manual for Florida citrus growers. The fresh-fruit guys have been dealing with this for years, but now it’s time to bring in the processing growers. I think most of us know Florida citrus is an extremely safe food product and that the Florida grower has a remarkable reputation for growing their product according to safe practices and following appropriate local, state, and federal laws/guidelines. I’m confident we’ll come up with a ‘common sense’ document acceptable to the regulators that can be used by marketing groups nationally and abroad.”

How important is ample marketing to move OJ?
Newlin: “The question of FDOC marketing has been a major contentious issue for many years. I happen to come down on the side of marketing being a positive thing and that it has a valid return on investment. Fortunately, over the last couple of years, our industry put aside our differences on marketing and agreed to make HLB/canker research the top priority. Now the ongoing question is going to be: ‘What should be the balance between marketing and research?’ Until we have another adequate, guaranteed source for funding, the FDOC is the only game in town. If something like the tariff funds become available for research (without too many strings attached) then the FDOC can focus on marketing. I do think if the size of Florida’s crop continues on a downward spiral, then at some point the cost to maintain a successful marketing program will be in jeopardy. Working with Brazil could be a necessity.”

There has been a lot of regulatory activity coming from EPA. What kind of impact will these moves have on growers’ ability to produce citrus in an economically viable way?
Newlin: “It makes me wonder if they want us to stay in business. Between losing pest control products, downstream nutrient loading targeting Florida and pesticide application permits near water, there’s a distinct possibility we’ll be unable to meet their requirements. It’s frustrating for the modern farmer to understand some of the complicated regulations, much less implement them. Recently, we’ve had some very positive conversations and interactions relative to our crisis status with HLB regarding some label changes and new products, which is encouraging.”

The Florida Ag Commissioner’s race is set. Are you leaning toward a candidate? If so, why?
Newlin
: “Hallelujah, yes. Adam Putnam is a shining star for the farmers of Florida. When the rest of Florida really gets to know him, he will be very well received.”

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Special thanks to Chemtura AgroSolutions for sponsoring the Citrus Achievement Award program.

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