Latest News • June 30, 2025

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Bartow, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed today SB 2500, the General Appropriations Act, which includes a record-breaking investment of nearly $140 million ($139,673,565) to revitalize Florida’s citrus industry. Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, issued the following statement in reaction to Governor DeSantis signing off on the 2025-26 state fiscal year budget: 

“This record-breaking investment of nearly $140 million for citrus research and revitalization efforts in Florida’s 2025-26 state fiscal year budget brings renewed
hope to the industry. Florida’s citrus growers are incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis for his support, signaling his recognition of the industry’s promising
research and commitment to building a brighter future for the state’s signature crop,” Joyner said.

“We are deeply appreciative of President Albritton, Commissioner Simpson and Speaker Perez for championing this investment. Research is more critical for the industry than ever before. These funds will advance citrus research, support field trials of promising treatments and therapies, and facilitate planting new disease-tolerant varieties to accelerate the industry’s comeback.”

The Florida Legislature’s 2025-26 state fiscal year budget includes $140 million to champion the Sunshine State’s citrus industry for the following: 

• $104.5 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation 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 basic research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF).
• $10 million for the 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 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.
• $2 million through FDACS for the Citrus Budwood Nursery to expand propagation of citrus greening tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings
• $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 the Florida Department of Citrus to advance technologies and produce trees that show tolerance or resistance to citrus greening.
• $650,000 for the development of new citrus varieties.

These investments will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual