Florida Legislature Approves Citrus Research Funding

By Growing Produce Staff|May 6, 2013

The Florida state Legislature agreed to fund $9.5 million in research related activities to combat HLB (citrus greening). The funding is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) 2013-2014 budget.
The breakout: $8 million for HLB reserved research and incremental funding of $500,000 for each of the related FDACS programs; citrus nursery certification, citrus germplasm facility, and citrus pest management.

The money will be available on July 1, 2013. These funds will be used to fund short term research projects approved by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.

“Of course, Commissioner Adam Putnam has done yeoman’s work to help our industry battle HLB,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “He knows we are in the fight of our life and this state investment is critical to get some short-term research answers. We also commend state Legislators for showing this level of commitment to one of the state’s most important signature industries.
“Representative Ben Albritton and Senator Alan Hays were instrumental in securing the funding and did an unbelievably strong job for the industry. In addition Representatives Steve Crisafulli and Seth McKeel as well as Senators Denise Grimsley and Joe Negron worked particularly hard on this issue.”

Gov. Rick Scott still must approve the budget.