The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC), the governing entity of the Florida Department of Citrus, has been actively engaging in strategies to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), a persistent challenge for citrus growers. Steve Johnson, Chairman of the FCC, highlighted the evolving battle against HLB and the commission's adaptive strategies during their December 2024 meeting.
Johnson emphasized the introduction of new citrus varieties with improved tolerance to HLB, marking a significant shift in the approach to managing the disease. The FCC's unanimous decision to fund 22 nurseries under the 2024 Program for Expedited Propagation agreements aims to accelerate the availability of these resilient varieties.
Furthermore, the FCC has initiated the Joint Subcommittee on Regulation Review to Advance Citrus Recovery, a collaborative effort with Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), to reassess regulatory frameworks. This initiative seeks to ensure that current regulations optimally support the citrus industry's recovery and growth.
In addition to these measures, the FCC's Global Marketing department has reported promising progress in orange juice sales via e-commerce platforms, nearing 30% of their $25 million goal. This achievement underscores the commission's efforts to bolster the citrus market as it navigates through challenges posed by HLB.
As the FCC commemorates its 90th anniversary, these actions reflect its dedication to sustaining Florida's legacy as a leading citrus producer. The commission's strategic approach to HLB management and industry support highlights its commitment to the sector's long-term viability.
Source: Citrus Industry