The US Department of Agriculture has approved an additional $13.6 million in funding to research citrus greening which they hope will give relief to Gulf Coast farmers and others around the country.
“Finding a cure for this destructive disease is vital to maintaining a strong economy and protecting jobs here in southwest Florida,” says US Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.
While farmers have found some ways to ease the impact, the effects are still devastating. Steve John, citrus production manager for SMR Farms in Lakewood Ranch, says over the past five years, the spread of citrus greening has led to a 15-20 percent decline in fruit harvested per acre. “We’re struggling with tree health and box counts are down,” he says. “Not all of it is due to greening, but a lot of it is.”
Florida Citrus Mutual CEO, Michael W. Sparks, called the funding for research a “wise investment in one of Florida’s signature industries."
source: srqmagazine.com
