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For Bova Fresh, a grower and distributor that just opened its doors in April, labor is a complex obstacle. “I think that’s the most important part of the whole growing aspect: having good, educated labor,” points out Wilhelm, Bova Fresh’s owner. Proper training for workers, he notes, is key. Workers “need to know how to do things right and they need to be educated on food safety at the warehouse and the field level.”
Supply has been another major challenge, at least for Bova Fresh. “We need more supply,” Wilhelm declares. “We have plenty of customers and plenty of business, we’re just looking for more product.” One produce item in shorter supply is the state’s famed citrus.
One of the more publicized of Florida’s recent challenges is its fight against citrus greening or Huanglongbing disease, carried by the Asian citrus psyllid. The Sunshine State is still known worldwide for its citrus—accounting for nearly two-thirds of the U.S.’s total grapefruit sales in terms of value, and more than half of the total value for oranges—but citrus greening has devastated many growers, causing early fruit crop in infected trees or killing entire groves. Although private and federal funding are helping fight the disease, with science-based intervention and better community awareness, it remains a terrible blight on Florida’s citrus industry.
A Sunny Future
What’s on the horizon for Florida produce? Wilhelm is thinking about expansion, and says, “I think the future is bright. Florida is the perfect area to grow produce,” he enthuses. “There’s still a lot of land in the center of the state that can be utilized. We’ve just got to find it and get the right deals on it.”
“Florida has a great history and a great future in the fresh produce business,” remarks Myrick. “We have good product, fresh every day. Florida is here, and we’re here to stay.”
Image: ©iStock.com/aaron007
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