There’s been a lot of water cooler talk about citrus giant ALICO’s decision to shutter their citrus operations, closing the book of on one of the nation’s largest citrus producers and beginning a new chapter for Florida citrus.
While the move was quite a shock for some due to the company’s size and local presence, it was not too surprising for those of us who have kept an eye on the current headwinds that consistently blow through the Florida citrus industry.
Let’s face it: Citrus is just not the same industry it was when the late Ben Hill Griffin Jr., took the helm of ALICO in the early 1970s. That was a time when every day was a new roll of the dice, and the primary focus was on prospecting and foresight.
However, when a company matures to the size of ALICO, the focus can shift away from prospecting and toward retrospection. This is an important point to consider: We simply cannot grow citrus the same way it’s been done in the past. We cannot lead from behind. ALICO’S closure is an example how a single car wreck gets all the focus while everyone else on the road get ignored.
It is sad to see ALICO pack up their wagon, however, there are many more companies busy paddling their canoes into the future frontier. These modern-day explorers include Blue Goose, Sun Ag, Premier, Tater Farms, Graves, Scott, Roe, Shinn, Feek, and Estes. The list could go on.
These folks thrive outside of the box that tends to limit prospecting They utilize innovative new methods such as the Tree Defender IPCs. They develop new varieties and explore new marketing techniques, all while constantly on the hunt for the next ways to innovate.
I am sure these companies have found — as I have — that there at least three certainties when you live outside of the box:
If you throw a rock out of your window, you’ll hit a pessimist every time;
The trail may take crazy turns, but the path is always forward; and,
It’s never over until you quit.
So if you are fortunate enough to know any of these folks, give them a pat on the back. I’m sure they could use the encouragement.