–   -  -  – - —+++ SFF Annual Meeting with NAFEX +++— – -  -   -    -  

The 2011 annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the Southeastern Citrus Expo and the Southern Fruit Fellowship in central Florida November 17th-19th. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest developments in hardy citrus and other tropical fruits. Please check back for further updates and program details.

The meeting headquarters is the Radisson Resort Orlando which is a beautiful facility. You can check it out and make reservations on their website http://www.radisson.com/kissimmee-hotel-fl-34747/flkissim or at phone 407-396-7000. Be sure to mentioned code 1111NAFEXC. They’ve given us a great rate at $79.00 per night. Be sure to make reservations prior to November 2.

Thursday evening the Citrus Group will host their annual “Citraholic Banquet”. Details will be available on arrival.

Although a more exact schedule will appear on another page, below are just some of the things we’ll see and do.

1. Shinn Peach Orchard. There is a relatively new peach industry in south central Florida consisting of newly developed low-chill cultivars and this orchard in on Friday’s tour.
2. University of Fl’s Citrus Research and Education Center. For near a century this facility has supported the industry. It is unique among research centers in that it focuses entirely on one food commodity, citrus. Check them out at www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/.
3. Florida Citrus Arboretum is a collection of more than 250 cultivars of citrus. It is maintained by the Citrus Budwood Registration Bureau of the Division of Plant Industry. See http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/budwood/arb.html.
4. Florida Citrus Hall of Fame was established in 1962 to honor distinguished leaders who’ve made signigicant contributions over the years. There are currently 150 members of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame form all facets of the industry. See http//floridacitrushalloffame.com/.
5. The Mid Florida Citrus Foundationis a non profit organization and the Research arm of Water Conserv 11. The goals of the foundation are:
   • Study long-term effects of irrigating citrus with reclaimed water.
   • Evaluate new citrus varieties for production and marketability.
   • Evaluate non-citrus crops for economic viability. This includes deciduous fruits and nuts.
   • Promote urban and rural cooperation.
6. USDA Whitmore Farm is a breeding facility expressly to enhance various aspects of citrus including tolerance of environmental stress, resistance to pests, improved fruit quality/yield. This USDA facility is one of the oldest continuous breeding programs in the world and annually evaluates over 50,000 trees.

Due to severe parking limitations we’ve been requested by our hosts to ride the bus, or no car-pooling is allowed on either day.

Also there are many local attractions including Walt Disney World Theme Park which is only 1.5 miles from the Radisson.

You should send your reservations to the following and please do so prior to Nov. 1 (this to accommodate sufficient bus rental).

Also, when paying registration fees please send check or money orders only.
Mail to:
Stan McKenzie
NAFEX/Citrus Meeting
2115 Olanta Hwy
Scranton, SC 29591

If you have questions or special needs, you may contact Stan at 843 389 4831 or email him at Citrusman99@hotmail.com .

The airport is 20 miles from the motel or about $60.00 by cab, one way. There is a shuttle bus service from the airport to the motel for $19.00 one way and $34.00 round trip. The Mears Shuttle (http://www.mearstransportation.com/) provides this transportation service and reservations may be made on their website.

For those flying into Orlando, below is a link to a map from the airport to the Radisson Resort.

Directions from the Orlando Airport to the Radisson Resort.

Here is what is planned so far!

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