BARTOW, FL - Florida Citrus Mutual is pleased to announce and welcome Matt Joyner as its new Director of Government Relations. In this role, Joyner will work on behalf of Mutual's grower members and staff in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Joyner previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Commissioner Adam Putnamproviding a broad base of policy knowledge at both the state and federal levels.

Joyner will officially join Mutual's team on December 10, 2018.

"We are excited and fortunate to have somebody as knowledgeable and talented as Matt come on staff," said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. "Matt has not only a deep understanding of how government works but also the issues facing the Florida citrus grower."

"Legislative issues are FCM's highest priority and with Matt's expertise and experience I am sure he will hit the ground running in both Tallahassee and Washington," added Sparks.

The Florida citrus industry creates an $8.6 billion annual economic impact, employing nearly 46,000 people, and covering about 400,000 acres. Founded in 1948, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state's largest citrus grower organization. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com. Follow FCM on Twitter @FLCITRUSMUTUAL.