Founded in 1935, by growers for growers, the Florida Department of Citrus has long supported the industry through the promotion, regulation, and protection of Florida Citrus.

Today, that mission is alive and well.

Over the next several weeks, join us for a mini-series featuring a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique government agencies in the country to learn more about who we are, what we do, and why.
Edition 3: Scientific Research

For this edition of Inside the FDOC, we go under the microscope with the Scientific Research Department to showcase how their work enables the FDOC to promote the health benefits of Florida Citrus.
What We Do

It’s in the name. From clinical studies on the health benefits of Florida Citrus to analyses on the components in juice, scientific research is at the core of SRD. But it’s reach is much wider.

A constant stream of FDOC and other research that grows the body of evidence in support of Florida Citrus helps fuel campaigns that resonate with consumers. The results of SRD’s work are incorporated into consumer messaging, health professional outreach, media pitches, and more.

Adding to the flow of information, the SRD team in Lake Alfred performs vital chemical analysis on citrus to verify its composition to support the nutritional benefits of citrus while also collaborating with programs around the state to enhance disease research.
How We Do It

Monitor. Research. Communicate. Repeat.

Monitor

With more than 30,000 scientific journals publishing close to two million articles each year, staying on top of the research is no small task. The SRD team monitors and analyzes new and forthcoming citrus-related studies daily while keeping in close contact with contemporaries around the globe to ensure no information is missed.

But they don’t stop there. The SRD team plays an integral role in reviewing and analyzing daily news coverage of Florida Citrus in order to help stop the flow of misinformation and gauge consumer interest in potential future research.

This comprehensive monitoring process allows the SRD team to not only identify gaps and design new studies that further support the health benefits of Florida Citrus but do so with consumer perceptions in mind.

Research

Maintaining a consistent stream of new research means the SRD team is often juggling multiple industry-funded projects in various stages of the pipeline from idea to publication.

Currently, SRD has two projects with researchers at universities where the studies are conducted independently of the FDOC. And two more studies are pending publication in scientific journals once they have undergone peer review.

The list of projects still in the ideation stage ebbs and flows based on consumer interest, FDOC Global Marketing needs, and gaps in the evidence.
 
Communicate

Once published, the SRD team works closely with the Global Marketing team to translate the findings of these studies and disseminate. This looks different for every study. Some study results will be featured prominently in social media, paid ads, news stories and more. Others will serve to strengthen messages already in use.

Many times, the findings are communicated in combination with one another to showcase the power of the body of evidence as a whole.

This was the case with a recent compilation of seven studies showing consumption of 100% orange juice should be encouraged in children. To share this news with more than 100,000 registered dietitians, SRD worked with Global Marketing to design an infographic dispelling common myths portraying 100% orange juice as unsuitable for children.

Repeat

Science never stops. SRD doesn’t either.
Why We Do It

Sharing sound and accurate nutrition information has the power to influence purchase behavior, impact policy and improve the wellbeing of families.

SRD is dedicated to conducting research that scientifically supports what growers have known all along – Florida Citrus is a healthy and delicious option when consumed fresh or as juice – and sharing that news with the world.
What's on Tap for Summer

Speaking about juggling projects at different stages of the pipeline, the SRD team is working on both ends of the spectrum for research on the role of OJ in inflammation. A systematic review is expected to be published this summer while a clinical trial is in the development phase.

They are also looking forward to updating the Florida Citrus Commission later this month on New Varieties Research.
The Team:

Dr. Rosa Walsh, Director
With more than 10 years of experience in the Florida university and college system, Dr. Walsh joined the FDOC in 2015 to lead scientific research. She holds both B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from Clemson University.

Gail Rampersaud, MS, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A registered dietitian nutritionist with a two-decade long history with the FDOC, Gail is an industry-recognized expert on the nutritional benefits of Florida Citrus. She has published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and delivered numerous presentations on the evidence-based benefits of 100% orange juice.

Tony Trama, Chemist
Tony has more than three decades of chemical analyses experience in fresh and processed citrus products. A member of the FDOC for more than a decade, he provides sample prep and instrumental analysis support for various programs. Tony earned a BS degree in chemistry from the University of South Florida.

Orson Hiser, Administrative Assistant
Orson is a U.S. Navy veteran and a recent addition to the FDOC, splitting his time between SRD and EMRD. Orson has almost 20 years of administrative experience and worked in fast paced environments in Virginia before moving to back to Florida in 2020.  
What We're Reading This Week:

Ever heard of flavonoids? You will soon.

A new study shows flavonoids were associated with a lower risk of diabetes.

While this study is not focused on citrus, it’s being closely monitored by SRD as citrus has its own type of flavonoid called Hesperidin, which we already knows plays a positive role in OJ.
Want More Science!

Spend some time perusing the pages of the Florida Orange Juice website where you can find SRD’s research interwoven into messages for both consumers and health professionals on the health benefits of 100% orange juice.

Every page ends with a list of references so readers can trace the science back to the peer-reviewed journals where they were published.
Follow Florida Citrus in France!

As they say in France, “j’aime le pamplemousse de Floride,” which means “I love Florida Grapefruit!”

Experience why the French adore the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors from a fresh Florida Grapefruit.

Learn more about how the FDOC reaches consumers in France by following our social media channels below.

Mark Your Calendars
  • Webinar: The FDOC will host a webinar on Florida's Commercial Citrus Tree Inventory with Dr. Marisa Zansler and Tom Spreen on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 9 a.m.
  • FCC: The Florida Citrus Commission will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. in Bartow. 
Have questions? Send them our way. Email srossetter@citrus.myflorida.com.