Citrus Research Banking On A Boost

As a show of support for one of the state’s largest industries, the Florida Legislature included $2 million in the 2011-2012 budget to help citrus growers fight pest and disease. The funding will go directly to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), which manages ongoing citrus research for the industry. The measure still must be approved by the Governor.

“I would personally like to thank Senator JD Alexander and Representative Denise Grimsley for making sure this research funding was included in the budget,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “They each have the foresight to know how important citrus research is to maintaining the 76,000 jobs our industry supports.”

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Over the past five years, Florida citrus growers through a self-assessment have funded more than $50 million in research designed to combat HLB, or citrus greening. “Florida growers have a lot of skin in the game and they understand the urgency of the situation,” Sparks said. “The very future of Florida citrus is at stake.”

Source: Florida Citrus Mutual news release