PORTERVILLE, CA - Organic citrus from the Golden State is a magic all its own. Organic growers don’t have the same tools to break through winter soil and boost nutrients that conventional farmers do. But their dedication and skill make each season a success—and this one is no exception.

“We are in our peak of the season for our 100 percent organic offering,” Craig Morris, Category Director for Citrus and Grapes at Homegrown Organic Farms, shares. “Mid-January through mid-April is considered the best time for our citrus. And because natural growing cycles necessitate leaving some fruit on the trees to size up, the result is a lighter crop set with sizing trends larger but maintaining excellent quality and flavor.”

A key shift in this year’s season, Craig points out, is Homegrown’s ability to team up with Mother Nature to mitigate Thrips damage.

“This year we have only seen 10 percent of the issue we’ve been combatting the last couple of years,” he explains. “This is a combination of some helpful extreme weather and the cycling out of the problem.”

Coining the term “helpful disruption,” Craig and I discuss how the peaks and valleys of temperatures have not only helped to mitigate this pest problem, but also strengthened the resilience of HGO’s plentiful citrus profile.

“Ours is a hardy portfolio with a full spectrum of options,” he says, adding that this is a key tip for retailers as well. “We have the full realm of Blood oranges, Cara Caras, grapefruit, lemons, Mandarins, Navels, Pummelos, Gold Nuggets, and Minneolas. Having a full set is crucial to maximizing citrus sales, and the next 90 days are the most critical in quality and flavor. Push these in-store in the next 90 days—we have wonderful promos on all varieties we carry. Depending on what size, grade, and pack style you want, we have a solution to offer.”

Craig drives the point home when he punctuates that organic production costs 30 percent on average above conventional, which necessitates a higher price point and makes education, quality, and loyalty critical.

“High input costs and the minimum we have to turn around as a business is not something we can get around, so we have to put our products where our mouth is. For 25 years, Homegrown Organic Farms has been at the forefront of organic citrus, long before it became a mainstream trend. As the market continues to evolve, our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation remains steadfast—proving that organic is not just a label, but a legacy,” Craig concludes.

As this leader in organic citrus growing continues to prove its metal, AndNowUKnow will report the latest for this and other dynamic fresh categories.