New state record-breaking funding of nearly $140 million marks a more than 114% increase – more than doubling the previous record investment of $65.05 million in 2023
Bartow, Fla. – Florida Citrus Mutual executive vice president and CEO, Matt Joyner, issued the following statement in reaction to the Florida Legislature’s approval of nearly $140 million ($139,673,565) in the state’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget:
“Florida’s citrus growers applaud the Florida Legislature’s record-breaking investment of nearly $140 million to shepherd the state’s iconic citrus industry back to greatness. It’s a vote of confidence in our growers and exactly the support we need to rebuild and sustain Florida’s signature crop. We are especially grateful to Senate President Albritton for championing this monumental investment and to Commissioner Wilton Simpson, President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur and Speaker Danny Perez for their strong support. The investment will help boost production, strengthen the state’s economy and preserve the sweet legacy of Florida citrus for generations to come.”
The Florida Legislature’s state fiscal year 2025-26 budget includes $139,673,565 to bolster Florida’s heritage citrus industry through the following initiatives:
- $104.5 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) to conduct large-scale field trials focused on grove management, treatments and therapies, disease-resistant varieties, grove design, pest and disease control and post-planting care to increase citrus production and for research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF).
- $10 million for Citrus Packing Equipment Cost Share Program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for packinghouses to purchase or rehab equipment.
- $10 million for Florida Department of Citrus (DOC) marketing efforts to promote the state’s citrus products among consumers and influencers.
- $6,523,565 for the Citrus Health Response Program, administered by FDACS, to help researchers develop new varieties, increase citrus production, and advance technologies to treat and prevent citrus greening.
- $4 million for Citrus Crop Decline Supplemental Funding for the Citrus Inspection Trust Fund to supplement grower assessments for citrus inspection.
- $2 million for the Citrus Recovery Program through DOC to advance technologies and produce trees that show tolerance or resistance to citrus greening.
- $2 million for the Citrus Budwood Nursery through FDACS to expand propagation of citrus greening tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings.
- $650,000 for the development of new citrus varieties.
Additionally, the Florida Legislature’s state fiscal year 2024-25 budget includes a $250 million annual appropriation for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which aims to protect working agricultural operations from development by establishing conservation easements. The state can protect these critical lands by partnering with farmers, ranchers and growers that contribute to Florida’s economy and support the production of food and fiber, while also providing habitat for endangered wildlife and space to filter and replenish our aquifer.
Since 2019, the state of Florida has invested more than $371,509,115 to fund research, field trials, pest control and eradication, and marketing to strengthen Florida’s signature crop and ensure the industry’s sustainability for future generations.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual