Dear friends and neighbors,
The Citrus Industry has been part of the Florida way of life for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, our oranges are facing a tremendous greening epidemic that has reduced our production by over 70 percent. In response, I’m proud to announce $10 million in federal funding to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation in Lake Alfred. Over the last several years, we have provided over $166 million in federal funds for research. This additional funding will allow researchers to continue their work to produce resistant rootstocks, root nutrient and moisture health strategies, advanced pesticides and more effective, coordinated spraying, intensified greenhouse groves and natural predators’ introduction. Together, Central Floridians can solve this crisis with scientific research, grower ingenuity and sufficient resources!
