Citrus Industry Feeling Squeezed

Florida’s largest citrus trade organization said recent actions by Gov. Charlie Crist display a lack of support for the state’s signature industry.

“Clearly the Governor doesn’t understand the seriousness of the pests and diseases our $9 billion industry is battling,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Quite frankly, I’m a little surprised because we recently had the Governor in a grove to explain the severe issues we are facing. His recent vetoes are imperiling the future of Florida citrus and its 76,000 jobs. Florida residents should take a good look at the orange and blossom on the state’s official license plate because that may be the last place to see them thanks to the Governor.”

Last month, Crist vetoed HB 981, a measure that would have codified the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). The CRDF serves as ground zero for the industry’s fight against HLB, or citrus greening, a disease that is now spreading a path of destruction throughout Florida groves.

And last week, Crist took $1 million out of the state budget that was headed to the CRDF to fund citrus greening research. Citrus growers would have been required to match the $1 million appropriation with $1.5 million of their own money.

“Florida citrus growers have funded more than $26 million in research over the past three years, so we have skin in the game – this was not a hand out,” Sparks said. “This $1 million was essential to augment what citrus growers have already put up. I’m very disappointed the Governor did not believe it was important.”
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual news release