Managing orange groves in Florida, a region susceptible to hurricanes and citrus greening disease poses challenges for growers. Morgan McKenna Porter, a fifth-generation citrus grower and University of Florida alum, remains committed to this endeavor.
"[Growing up], I developed a love for the outdoors, thanks to my family, from riding around in the orange groves with my dad (Pat McKenna) or having orange fights with my cousin, Riley," said Porter. Raised in Lake Wales, Porter pursued agriculture at UF, graduating in 2014 with a degree in agricultural education and communication. She worked as a sales representative for Syngenta before returning to her family's business as operations manager at McKenna Brothers Inc.
Porter's role involves managing 405 hectares alongside 10 employees. The company is owned by Marty and Pat McKenna. Her cousin, Riley McKenna, serves as vice president of McKenna & Associates Citrus Inc. Porter and Riley aim to expand their roles, learning from their fathers who currently lead the operations. "While Riley and I hope to play a bigger role in the company one day, we're not running things yet," Porter said.
Despite the challenges posed by citrus greening disease, Porter remains focused on the future of Florida's citrus industry. "I'm just one person, but it's worth telling our story, as an entire industry, to customers and fellow Florida residents," Porter expressed.
Porter's father and uncle have made efforts in farming and advocating for industry needs. "They've put in their effort. They've worked with UF/IFAS researchers," Porter noted. Inspired by their work, Porter and Riley continue to pursue a sustainable future for Florida citrus. "Riley and I are on parallel paths, working toward a common goal – a successful and economically viable future for Florida citrus," Porter stated.
Porter identifies direct systemic applications as promising tools for managing citrus greening. Riley McKenna serves as president of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, and Porter is president of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, focusing on research to preserve Florida's citrus industry.
Both Porter and Riley are involved with the Wedgworth Leadership Institute, which develops leaders in agriculture. "Riley and I are glass-half-full people, as are most of us left in this industry," Porter remarked.
Source: UF News
