Apr 9, 2010

By Jessica Tuggle

FELLSMERE - Grapefruit picking season is in full swing in Indian River County and so were the packers at Fellsmere Farms during U.S. Rep. Bill Posey’s, R-Rockledge visit last week.

The congressman toured the citrus packing plant in an effort to learn more about the industry that is historically tied to the region.

Shiny yellow grapefruits, plump and juicy, rolled onto conveyor belts and were sorted into sizes, grades and physical appearance by both human and electronic eyes.

The process fascinated the congressman, who had never been to a packing plant while it was in production before.

He was amazed at how automated the process has become, yet marveled at how many hands are still involved.

Fellsmere Farms general manager Michael Monroe and Doug Bournique, executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League, said they hoped the tour would help the congressman realize how important grapefruit and the rest of the citrus industry is to Florida business.

Currently, there is no Florida legislator on the agriculture committee, but Rep. Posey said he would work to get some representation there, since agriculture is still so important to Florida.

As a freshman, Rep. Posey is limited to the number of committees he can sit on.

“I know you’re doing what you can,” Mr. Monroe said.

Mr. Bournique said the Indian River region, which extends from Volusia County to Palm Beach County, is the leader in citrus production and is known worldwide for producing the highest- quality fruit available.

Even though the fruit is still the best quality in the world, crops in the Indian River region have taken a severe hit due to greening and canker.

Citrus leaders implored Rep. Posey to help them acquire federal funding to start researching cures for the citrus diseases.

The good news is the prolonged cold temperatures sustained by citrus trees have resulted in millions of blossoms on the tree blooming all at the same time, a sure sign of a uniform, bountiful crop, Mr. Bournique said.

“We’re going to have a hell of a crop,” he said.

“Finally, something good to come out of this lousy weather,” Rep. Posey added.

This article is reprinted from http://www.myhometownnews.net/