Sharon Hutching

Diamond R Fertilizer

Diamond R Fertilizer was originally founded by the Roper family in Winter Garden, Florida in 1943. The Ropers grew citrus and sold fertilizer to other citrus growers in the Central Florida area. The Diamond ​R Brand was used on their fruit boxes as a way to distinguish themselves from other grove owners at the packinghouse. In 1974 a group of Indian River District citrus growers purchased the company with plans to serve the needs of their own citrus operations. Once they constructed a warehouse facility in Ft. Pierce, it quickly became apparent that they could provide high quality products coupled with their own expertise to many of the growers along the Indian River. In 1981, they decided to reach further into the Florida market and purchased "Ranch Fertilizer" in Okeechobee. To continue broadening diversification into other markets, in 1992 they constructed a service location in Labelle. In 2004 Diamond R purchased "Gator Fertilizer" in East Palatka and then, in 2006, purchased "Atlantic Fertilizer and Chemical" in Homestead. This allowed the company to easily meet the needs of the South Florida market. To further their commitment and concentration on the Florida market, in 2008 Diamond R opened a service facility in Plant City. The company decided in 2011 to create a turf and ornamental division to begin an outreach to these specialty markets. Today Diamond R has seven full service warehouse facilities to supply plant protection, fertilizer, pots, horticultural plastic, seed, and other specialty products. Two fertilizer blending locations with dry and liquid bulk capabilities allow the company to manufacture bagged and bulk, liquid and granular fertilizers. Diamond R's expert sales staff can formulate a custom blend fertilizer to meet your exact needs and help you create a complete agronomic program specific to your operation.