Citrus Achievement Award Winner: Adapting To Challenges Has Its Rewards

Marty McKenna says if bactericides can help maintain production of younger citrus trees, it could have a huge impact on the industry’s future.

Industry stakeholders holding out hope for solutions to HLB through antimicrobials and even transgenics.

Marty McKenna is and has been a strong advocate during critical times for growers.

The 2015 Citrus Achievement Award winner’s contributions to the local sector are legend.

Orie Lee is imparting a lifetime of learning to his granddaughter-in-law who’s ready to take on the challenge of leading the business into the future.

The influence and impact of this year’s Citrus Achievement Award winner hard to measure.

Orie Lee, the 2015 Citrus Achievement Award winner, talks about how growing citrus has changed in his lifetime and how it hasn’t.

Orie Lee, the 2015 Citrus Achievement Award winner, discusses his decades-long involvement with Vernia.

Orie Lee advises young up-and-comers to supplement production knowledge with business acumen; calls for more focus on blight.

During annual conference, industry leaders call for an ‘all in’ approach to survive current crisis.

Orie Lee, this year’s Citrus Achievement Award winner, would like to see a qualified understudy come in and work with UF/IFAS breeders to ensure not a beat is missed when they retire.

In his long career, Orie Lee’s dedication to research and science has scored winning rootstocks and varieties to the benefit of the citrus industry.

In the final Q&A with the 2014 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner, Mike Sparks says he really can’t see anything — even a disease like HLB — causing the industry to go away.

Progress in research, significant government funding, and new plantings have 2014 Citrus Achievement Award winner Mike Sparks feeling positive.

Mike Sparks, 2014 Citrus Achievement Award winner, says being open with peers about what’s working and not working is crucial in managing HLB.

2014 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner Mike Sparks feels confident in crop sector’s ability to regain strength.

2014 Citrus Achievement Award winner Mike Sparks talks politics and the prospects of replanting.

During the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, FL, Mike Sparks was presented the Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award.

Despite the season’s struggles, record crowd gathers to commiserate, educate, and celebrate future possibilities.