Florida citrus to receive nearly $196 million in state investment
The recently signed 2026-2027 Florida state budget will allocate $196 million in support for the recovery and revitalization of the local citrus industry. The investment will fund efforts in research, field trials, nursery and packing equipment infrastructure, and marketing.
“These resources will help growers adopt proven solutions more quickly, restore production, strengthen critical industry infrastructure and secure the future of Florida’s iconic crop so that it can continue contributing to our economy, environment and way of life for generations to come,” said Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner in a statement.
The executive thanked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their support, noting funds will be crucial to accelerate recovery in the face of citrus greening and hurricanes and extreme weather events affecting local growers.
Breaking down government investment in Florida citrus
Among the funds promised by the state government, $160 million will support citrus research through the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program.
The initiative, says industry body Florida Citrus Mutual, will help growers fund commercial-scale testing of promising technologies, treatments and production practices while collecting data to identify and accelerate the adoption of solutions that improve tree health, productivity and profitability.
Likewise, $4.5 million will go to basic citrus research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, while $2.25 million will fund the Crop Transformation Center to expedite solutions for addressing pests and diseases affecting citrus production in Florida.
The rest of the funds will be distributed among the Citrus Nursery and Packing Equipment Grants, the Florida Department of Citrus, the Citrus Recovery Program, and the Citrus Budwood Program. The latter two will receive the investment to expand research and propagation of citrus greening-tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings, and advance the development of new citrus greening-resistant cultivars.
*All images are referential.
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