U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin recently led members of the Florida congressional delegation in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to complete a timely, science-based review of emerging citrus rootstock technologies to combat huanglongbing (HLB) disease, also known as citrus greening.
Florida’s citrus industry has faced steep declines due to HLB, compounded by recent hurricanes and freeze damage. Production has dropped by more than 90% from its peak.
“Innovations like these rootstock technologies and other emerging tools are giving producers confidence that a solution to greening is finally here,” Franklin said. “Growers are ready to reinvest and replant, but they need EPA to complete its review and provide a clear path forward. Timely, predictable decisions will help keep momentum going, protect jobs and strengthen the future of this industry.”
“With disease-tolerant rootstocks now available, we urge the EPA to enable their rapid deployment, enhancing disease tolerance, strengthening crop production and preserving Florida’s iconic citrus industry,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, a statewide association of citrus growers.
“Florida’s citrus growers have endured decades of devastating losses from HLB, and the path forward depends on innovation,” said Jeb S. Smith, president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “Gene-edited rootstock technologies offer a promising, science-based solution to improve disease tolerance and restore confidence for growers looking to replant. We appreciate Congressman Franklin’s leadership and urge EPA to move forward with a timely review so these tools can get into the hands of producers who need them most.”
The letter highlights innovative rootstock technologies that improve HLB tolerance by targeting the plant’s existing biology. According to Franklin, growers are prepared to invest in more than 2.5 million new trees this year, but that depends on regulatory certainty and access to emerging tools.
See the full letter to EPA here.
Source: U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin
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