Matthew Mattia, 37

Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL

June 12, 2026 | 3 min to read

SHORT BIO

Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Hobbies: Surfing, Fishing, Traveling
Family/Community: Married
Motto in life: Work hard, stay curious, and leave a legacy.

Dr. Mattia is a research manager and citrus geneticist with experience in plant science, breeding, market development and laboratory oversight.

His work in citrus variety evaluation, such as identifying the HLB-tolerant Donaldson tree, has potential for revitalizing early-season orange production in the Florida citrus industry and is now the ninth most propagated scion in the state. He has bridged gaps to solve some of the citrus industry’s most difficult issues and has released two new HLB tolerant citrus varieties: US SunGlo and US Brixy.

His leadership in this domain underscores his expertise and vision in addressing critical challenges. His leadership in establishing international breeding programs for various crops demonstrates his vision and capacity to drive innovation on a global scale.

Mattia’s career began in agronomy, but a pivot during his master’s studies sparked a fascination with the produce industry and its intersection of science, innovation and market demand. He transitioned to fruit crop research at the University of Florida, where he made significant contributions to tomato and citrus breeding.

In 2018, he took a leadership role at TerViva where he developed breeding pipelines and novel product portfolios for tropical crops. In 2020, he joined Agmerica as vice president of global research and market development, where he led international R&D initiatives in organic and regenerative agriculture, developed product lines, and secured partnerships across the U.S., West Africa and the Caribbean.

He moved to a position with USDA-ARS in 2021, where he currently serves as a citrus research geneticist leading high-impact citrus variety development programs, including collaborations with The Coca-Cola Company. He has managed multimillion-dollar research portfolios, developed citrus varieties, and established public-private partnerships that bridge science and industry to create meaningful agricultural advancements.

Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?

I began working in the produce industry during my master’s degree, shifting from agronomic crops to fruit research. While studying in New Zealand, I became fascinated by the complexity of evaluating and testing new varieties. This interest led me to pursue a path focused on high-value horticultural crops and eventually citrus.

Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?

Surround yourself with good people who are willing to support you and help you grow. Listen to the advice of others and consider diverse opinions before drawing conclusions. Most importantly, find a good mentor, someone who challenges you and helps you navigate the complexities of the industry.

Q: How has the industry changed during your tenure?

The spread and severity of HLB has intensified across Florida, and the industry is facing a low Brix crisis. However, we now have more tools than ever — new technologies, genetic resources and strategic collaborations — to tackle these problems. I’m excited about the next wave of citrus varieties reaching consumers.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

Helping farmers by delivering citrus varieties that improve their profitability and success. This includes the release of new varieties that are already transforming groves and have the potential to make a lasting impact throughout the citrus supply chain.