The U.S. citrus industry has expressed gratitude to Chairman GT Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for including critical funding for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in the recent budget reconciliation draft. This funding is seen as a crucial investment in the long-term health and competitiveness of citrus growers in Florida, Texas, California, and across the country.
The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program is designed to combat devastating diseases such as Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening, which continues to threaten the viability of citrus production in the United States. Industry leaders view this funding as a significant commitment to science-based solutions for managing these challenges.
Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, emphasized the importance of federal support for the citrus industry. "As leaders of the citrus industry, we have long advocated for dedicated federal support to address citrus disease challenges through science-based solutions," Joyner stated. "Chairman Thompson's leadership reinforces that the needs of our growers are being heard."
Dale Murden, President of Texas Citrus Mutual, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical nature of the funding. "This is an encouraging step forward for the citrus industry. Our growers are navigating increasing biological threats and economic pressures, and investments like this make a real difference in ensuring a future for U.S.-grown citrus."
Casey Creamer, President and CEO of California Citrus Mutual, underscored the shared challenges facing citrus growers nationwide. "California's citrus growers, like our counterparts in Florida and Texas, are facing unprecedented challenges. Chairman Thompson's inclusion of this program is a strong signal that citrus is part of the future of American agriculture."
While this funding represents an important victory for the industry, citrus leaders continue to advocate for the passage of a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill. They emphasize the need for broader reforms outlined by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, including improvements to crop insurance, investments in mechanization, and policies that ensure fair trade.
Industry leaders maintain that specialty crops, including citrus, must be a central focus of U.S. agricultural policy. U.S. citrus growers provide nutritious food for American families while contending with rising costs, regulatory challenges, and climate-related pressures. Although the newly secured funding is a meaningful step, further action is necessary to ensure the industry's long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
For more information:
Abby Peltzer
California Citrus Mutual
Tel: +1 59 592 3790
Email: [email protected]
www.cacitrusmutual.com