Florida’s citrus industry is a cornerstone of the Sunshine State – its legacy has been passed down in hardworking Florida families for more than a century. Among these Centennial Citrus Growers who have helped to build and sustain this industry is the Ward Family – owners of Ward’s Nursery, Inc. and Ward’s Groves in Avon Park. For more than 100 years, they have embodied the resilience, innovation and dedication that defines Florida’s citrus industry.

In this edition of “5 Questions with a Florida Citrus Grower,” Jody Anderson, a fourth- generation member of the Ward family’s citrus operation and a member of Florida Citrus Mutual, reflects on honoring the Ward legacy and working to sustain and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.

1. How did your family get involved in the citrus industry?

A. My great-grandfather, William F. Ward, founded Ward’s Nursery. He initially started in the cattle business and transitioned to citrus in 1924. His citrus operation began in Highlands County, and our family has been growing citrus right here ever since. My grandfather, G.F. Ward, joined the business in 1947 followed by my father in 1987. I became a full-time member of the team in 2021. Today, my father and I continue to work together.

While I didn’t know that I would take this path, I felt someone needed to be able to understand the business and keep things going. I’ve always loved agriculture – I have a degree in animal science and agriculture business. I’m proud to carry on our family’s tradition.

2. What are some challenges Florida’s citrus industry has faced over the years and worked to overcome?

A. Our business has had its fair share of challenges over the years – nematodes and canker stand out among some of our greatest obstacles to overcome. Nematodes are soil-dwelling worms that affect soil and root health, which can lead to crop losses.

Canker was first identified in 1980 and had a significant impact on us early on – the nursery was completely destroyed by canker eradication efforts. My grandfather decided to rebuild and get the business back up and running. When he did, approximately 98 percent of our customers returned to us – that meant a great deal to my grandfather. Most recently, citrus greening has posed a significant challenge, affecting our nursery and citrus-growing operation.

3. What is your why for working in Florida’s citrus industry all these years?

A. Reaching the 100-year mark was driven by pure stubbornness – something many farmers are known for. We’re thrilled the company has reached that milestone.

Agriculture is ingrained in us; it’s ingrained in the area where we live and work. We don’t want to give it up – we want to keep going. As a fourth-generation member of my family’s nursery and citrus-growing business, I’m committed to carrying on the legacy and keeping it going.

4. How have the advancements in technology, especially with citrus greening, impacted the way citrus groves are managed compared to, say, a hundred years ago?

A. We made major changes as we transitioned from a field operation nursery to a greenhouse nursery in the 2000s. Greenhouses enable us to automate irrigation and control growing conditions more effectively.

There are also new treatments, testing methods and rootstocks that have improved how we manage citrus greening and other diseases. These innovations aim to help us support tree health and boost production, allowing us to continue growing high-quality trees.

5. Why is it important to continue championing Florida’s citrus industry?

A. As part of a family-owned company, I can tell you that this industry is more than just about growing citrus – it’s about families, communities and traditions. We’ve employed generations of families – whether they were high school students helping during summers or others who pitched in on freezing nights.

The citrus industry – and agriculture – span generations in Florida, and my family is fortunate to share in that legacy. Florida citrus supports jobs for thousands of families and strengthens the state’s economy in various ways.

This feature is part of Florida Citrus Mutual’s Centennial Citrus Growers series, which recognizes multigenerational families that continue to shape the future of Florida citrus.