Florida citrus receives nearly $196 million investment from state Legislature
The Florida Legislature today approved a nearly $196 million investment in the state’s citrus industry as part of its 2026-27 fiscal year budget to accelerate sector recovery.
The investment includes a landmark $160 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) Foundation to expand R&D efforts and support new plantings, and $4.5 million to advance basic research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
In a press release, Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner said the initiative reinforces the state’s commitment to combat citrus greening and strengthen the Sunshine 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,” he added. “Championing Florida’s citrus industry is more important now than ever to preserve the sweet legacy of Florida citrus for years to come."
An additional $60 million for Florida citrus
In addition to the large sums destined for citrus research, the investments in the 2026-27 budget include $20 million to purchase or rehabilitate equipment for citrus nurseries and packinghouses; $5 million for Florida Department of Citrus (DOC) marketing efforts; and $2.25 million to expedite solutions for addressing pests and diseases affecting citrus production.
The sector will also receive $2 million for the Citrus Recovery Program. Administered by the Florida Department of Citrus, the initiative will use the funds to advance technologies and varieties that prove higher tolerance or resistance to citrus greening. Finally, the Citrus Budwood Program, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will receive $2 million to expand propagation of citrus greening-tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings.
Since its inception in 2019, the CRAFT Foundation has led grower-driven programs that evaluate treatments and therapies for existing citrus trees and support the replanting of more disease-tolerant varieties in response to Huanglongbing (HLB), or greening disease.
CRAFT also collects and shares data on research efficacy to support citrus growers statewide.
*All images are referential.
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