VALDOSTA — Georgia farmers, gardeners, agricultural investors and homeowners have experienced a keen uptick of interest in the citrus industry, according to an industry press release. 

What began three years ago in the Lowndes County University of Georgia extension office as a meeting to explore the possibilities of growing satsumas has now begun to take shape as a collective body of producers, vendors and researchers intending to develop and promote citrus as a competitive and economically sustainable agricultural commodity in the Southeast United States, according to the press release.

Last month, the group established the Georgia Citrus Association, a non-profit organization with the purpose to progress the citrus industry through educating others, conducting research, ensuring quality standards and marketing aggressively through the association, according to the release. 

Upon formation, the GCA adopted proposed by-laws, elected a board of directors, elected officers and began accepting membership applications.

The GCA membership is open to anyone related to the citrus industry in Georgia, North Florida, and south Alabama, according to the release.

As noted during the GCA inaugural meeting, “It’s great to be pioneers of an industry that will truly help the agricultural economy.” 

Anyone interested in joining may contact the group by email at GeorgiaCitrusAssociation@gmail.com.