New Farm Bill To Include $125 Million For Citrus Greening Research
January 30, 2014 The Florida citrus industry got a big boost in the fight against citrus greening disease when a House and Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee approved $125 million in citrus research funding over the next five years.
The research program will be overseen by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, in consultation with industry stakeholders from Florida, California, and Texas.
“This is absolutely terrific news. We are in a crisis right now and we know the key to beating citrus greening disease will be found through intensive and sustained scientific research, funded in large part though this money,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This funding is an investment in the future of one of Florida’s signature industries and gets us that much closer to a solution.”
Sparks singled out Senator Bill Nelson along with Representatives Vern Buchanan, Dennis Ross, Tom Rooney, Steve Southerland, Daniel Webster, Mario Diaz-Balart, Kathy Castor, Patrick Murphy, Ted Yoho, Ander Crenshaw and Bill Posey. Sparks also said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s help on the funding initiative was critical.
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual
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