Florida Citrus Industry Celebrates Record $140 Million Funding Boost!

Citrus County, Florida, USA - Florida’s citrus industry is celebrating a monumental victory with the announcement of nearly $140 million in funding as part of the 2025-26 state budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. This considerable financial boost is aimed at revitalizing the citrus sector, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, particularly from citrus greening and adverse weather conditions that have led to lower production levels. Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner commended state leaders, including DeSantis, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and Senate President Ben Albritton, for their unwavering support of this vital industry. He noted, „This investment will significantly advance citrus research, support field trials, and facilitate the planting of disease-tolerant varieties,“ as reported by Florida Politics.

The funding allocation includes:

• $104.5 million designated for the Citrus Research Field Trial in partnership with the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
• $10 million earmarked for a citrus packing equipment cost-share program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
• $10 million for promotional activities by the Florida Department of Citrus to boost Florida citrus visibility.
• Over $6.5 million supporting the FDACS Citrus Health Response Program for research on new citrus varieties.
• $4 million reserved for the Citrus Inspection Trust Fund.
• $2 million allocated to develop citrus greening-tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings.
• $2 million for the Department of Citrus to find trees that can resist greening.
• $650,000 dedicated to the development of new citrus varieties.

Moving Forward with Research and Development

Moreover, the prospects look bright for ongoing support at the federal level. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has included funding for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in its farm bill reconciliation package, aimed at combating citrus diseases threatening production. As of June 11, this program has received bipartisan backing, highlighting the critical nature of research funding for both Florida and California growers grappling with pest pressures. Joyner stated that Florida growers face significant challenges related to HLB (Huanglongbing), underscoring the need for this funding.

This is all part of a broader effort, evidenced by a recent $125 million allocated specifically for combating the pervasive citrus greening disease, as announced by Florida Citrus. Overseen by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the program will involve input from industry stakeholders across major citrus-producing states. Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, emphasized the significance of securing this funding, noting, „This is vital scientific research to combat the disease that threatens our industry.“

The Economic Impact

The Florida citrus industry is not just a local staple; it contributes about $9 billion annually to the state’s economy and employs nearly 76,000 people across 550,000 acres. However, with citrus greening affecting all 32 commercial citrus-producing counties in the state, support for research and revitalization has never been more critical. It seems there’s something to be said for investing in our agricultural roots.

As state and federal entities continue to rally around this cause, it’s clear the efforts are gaining momentum. The completed budgetary support is a promising step forward, catching the eye not only of local farmers but also of consumers eager for fresh, vibrant Florida citrus.