Lorin T. Bice

Highlights

Bice advanced lending practices for agriculture which was critical in making it possible for growers to have cash flow during tough economic times. For nearly twenty-five years Bice worked in the farm credit system, establishing loaning practices and policies for the citrus industry that are still in use today. In 1963 President John F. Kennedy appointed him to the Federal Farm Credit Board where he served until 1969.

Farm Credit System

Haines City Citrus Growers Association

Lake Hamilton Citrus Growers Association

West Coast Growers Association

Adams Packing Association

Florida Citrus Commission

Florida Citrus Mutual

Bio

Dubbed by many as “The Grower’s Champion,” Lorin T. Bice advanced lending practices for agriculture which was critical in making it possible for growers to have cash flow during tough economic times. His wealth and experience in the citrus industry and his soft-spoken nature enabled him to aid growers through his work with Farm Credit. He is particularly noted for his efforts to lower interest rates for citrus growers during times of inflation in the 1970s.

For nearly twenty-five years Bice worked in the farm credit system, establishing loaning practices and policies for the citrus industry that are still in use today. After serving as former general manager of the Haines City Citrus Growers Association from 1935-1943, Bice moved on to Lake Hamilton Citrus Growers Association, serving until 1952. The association became the largest fresh citrus packer in Florida under his leadership. Bice also headed the West Coast Growers Association (1954-69) and the Adams Packing Association (1970-79).

Bice served as a member of the Florida Citrus Commission (1949-50), Florida Citrus Mutual (1966-74), and in 1963 President John F. Kennedy appointed him to the Federal Farm Credit Board. He served until 1969. Bice represented the Florida citrus industry in the United States Horticultural Council. At a ceremony in 2005 Polk Community College named their Administration Building after Bice.