For California farmers and agribusiness professionals, attending an out-of-state event has to make sense. Time away from the farm is valuable, and travel has to deliver real returns. The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for August 12–13 in Fort Myers, Florida, is designed to do exactly that — combining high-value education and networking with a setting that makes the trip worthwhile.
The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo has long been recognized as a practical, grower-focused event. Its educational program brings together researchers, extension specialists, and industry experts to address real-world challenges facing specialty crop producers. Topics regularly include water-use efficiency, irrigation and nutrient management, pest and disease control, soil health, precision agriculture, and emerging technologies. While production systems vary across the country, many of the challenges — and solutions — are shared, making the information relevant well beyond the Southeast.
For California growers, the Expo offers an opportunity to gain perspective on how producers in other regions are managing similar pressures. It’s also a chance to explore new ideas, technologies, and management approaches that may not yet be widely adopted in the West.
The trade show floor adds another layer of value. Exhibitors represent a broad cross-section of the specialty crop industry, showcasing tools and services designed to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. For growers and agribusinesses alike, it’s an efficient way to evaluate new products, talk directly with suppliers, and make connections that extend beyond the event itself.
What sets this Expo apart is its location. Fort Myers sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the event hosted in a waterfront setting that offers a change of pace from the day-to-day demands of farming. Attendees can step out of a morning seminar and, later in the day, enjoy the outdoors, local dining, or time with family. For many, that balance makes it easier to justify travel and time away from home.
The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is free for growers and grower association representatives, and the event offers early bird registration incentives and a group hotel block rate, helping attendees plan ahead.
For California agriculture professionals looking to invest in their operation while also recharging, the 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo offers education, connections, and a setting that makes the experience more than just another meeting on the calendar.