$164.5 million investment in citrus research and field trials signals
a strong commitment to the future of Florida citrus.
BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Legislature today approved a nearly $196 million ($195,750,000) investment in Florida’s citrus industry as part of the state’s 2026-2027 fiscal year budget to accelerate the recovery of Florida’s citrus industry. The investment includes a landmark $160 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) Foundation to expand field trials and support new plantings and $4.5 million to advance basic research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
Following the Legislature’s budget approval, Florida Citrus Mutual executive vice president and CEO Matt Joyner issued the following statement:
“The Florida Legislature’s nearly $196 million investment reinforces the state’s commitment to combat citrus greening, strengthen production and sustain the state’s iconic citrus industry. We are incredibly grateful to our state champions, including Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez and legislators in both chambers for their support. Championing Florida’s citrus industry is more important now than ever to preserve the sweet legacy of Florida citrus for years to come.”
Investments in the 2026-2027 state budget to support Florida’s citrus industry include:
- $160 million for citrus research through the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program, which will help citrus growers fund new plantings, treatments and growing methods while gathering data to continue driving the industry’s progress
- $20 million for Citrus Nursery and Packing Equipment Grants to purchase or rehabilitate equipment for citrus nurseries and packinghouses
- Increase of $5 million in nonrecurring funds ($15 million total) for Florida Department of Citrus (DOC) marketing efforts to promote the state’s citrus products among consumers and influencers
- $4.5 million for basic citrus research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation
- $2.25 million for the Crop Transformation Center to expedite solutions for addressing pests and diseases affecting citrus production
- $2 million for the Citrus Recovery Program, administered by the Florida Department of Citrus, to advance technologies and varieties that prove higher tolerance or resistance to citrus greening
- $2 million for the Citrus Budwood Program, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to expand propagation of citrus greening-tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings.
Since its inception in 2019, the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has led grower-driven programs that evaluate treatments and therapies for existing citrus trees and support the replanting of more disease-tolerant citrus varieties in response to Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease. CRAFT also collects and shares data on research efficacy to support citrus growers statewide.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual