In 1981 a program on Technical Problems in Citrus Nursery Propagation was organised between the University of California Riverside and the University of Florida Orlando. This program was advertised worldwide and delegates from thirteen separate countries attended. The program included formal lectures on subjects specific to Citrus Nurseries and field trips to Citrus Nurseries and Institutions involved in Citrus development. The program proved to be very successful and the interchange of information between the delegates was a particular highlight of the two weeks they spent together.

At the close of this program it was put to the delegates that owing to the success of the program and the relationships that had begun to develop that we form an international group. It was decided that we form the society, that we meet on a regular basis at three to four year intervals and the first meeting was to be in Valencia Spain in 1983.

In December of 1983 the first Congress was held in Valencia Spain. Our first President Juan Gil along with Patron Albert Newcomb and a dedicated team of local members organised a very successful Congress with delegates from all around the world. The International Society of Citrus Nurserymen was up and running.

The Society has had many successful informative congresses over the years the list below shows how truly international this organisation is and the presidents that have lead the Society. Note that the Presidents listed have taken over at the close of each congress and they hold office until the close of the following congress.

Notes from your new Patron

Firstly a heart felt thank you to the ISCN executive and membership for the honour of being made Patron.

I was there in 1981 when it was decided to form the ISCN and hold the inaugural Congress in Spain 1983.

It’s hard to believe that we have now had 13 Congresses all around the world. It is truly an international organisation. As with any organisation we have seen some ups and downs but we have always managed to keep the ISCN relative to its nursery base. This has been achieved by the delivery of Congresses that are informative, practical and based around nursery operations and at the same time highlighting the country or countries who were hosting. These congresses also give attendees the best networking opportunity you will ever find. Our congresses are the gathering of in my opinion the best and most progressive nursery people in the world. Small or large, corporate or family we have a diverse group that encourages constant improvement and seeking of knowledge. I am so proud to be a Patron of ISCN.

I would like to make mention of previous Patrons that have had a passion for ISCN and helped steer the organisation through 13 Congresses over 42 years since Spain in 1983.

Albert Newcombe was our first Patron and the driving force behind the formation of ISCN. Albert was a very humble man who had a vision for an international group of citrus nursery people. We should be eternally grateful for Alberts vision and efforts to form and launch the ISCN.

After Alberts passing just prior to the China congress in 2008 the position of Patron was given jointly to Patrick Niven and Ian Tolley. Both were present in 1981 at the foundation of ISCN. Patrick had a nursery in South Africa and lead the South African congress in 1993. Patrick was well travelled and a passionate supporter in those early years of ISCN. Ian was an innovative nursery person with a nursery in South Australia. He sold his nursery and became a consultant on the international stage. He lead the first Australian Congress in 1990. Patrick passed away soon after his appointment and Ian has continued since in his own right as Patron is a lifetime appointment.

The recent Congress in Chile and Pre Congress in Brazil is testament to the foundation of ISCN. My congratulations to the organizing committees on such a successful Pre Congress and Congress.

As Patron I hope to support the current executive in any way they see fit and encourage Citrus nursery staff, managers and owners to be involved and active. For those reading this I assure you, you will be rewarded with friendship, knowledge and support from the best the world has to offer.

Both Jan and I have experienced this at all levels. ISCN has changed our lives. We have been enriched both personally and professionally by our involvement. For this we thank all those members past and present. I am looking forward to help guide ISCN into the future.

Regards and thank you

Gary Eyles

Patron ISCN