The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations has included additional funds in the fiscal year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) citrus breeding program in Parlier, California. It is allocating an additional $500,000 in federal funding, on top of the $1.5 million previously granted, to expand the program into California. If approved, the program will receive $2 million in federal funds annually, in addition to the funding it receives from California’s Citrus Research Board (CRB).
The action was applauded by CRB and California Citrus Mutual (CCM).
“CRB was instrumental in developing the concept for the California-based program and was also involved in efforts to establish the nationwide program, while CCM advocated to secure funding,” said CRB President Marcy Martin. “Our two organizations … have been instrumental in getting this program off the ground.”
“Finding solutions for California-specific growing patterns is an essential tool in fighting HLB for years to come,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs Jacob Villagomez.
The California citrus breeding program will focus on fresh market citrus. Funding will go toward research and development of high-quality, superior citrus selections well suited to California growing regions. The research will include a focus on resistance to pests and diseases such as HLB.
The California program is an expansion of the USDA-ARS citrus breeding program in Florida. That program is focused primarily on varieties optimized for Florida growing conditions. Work done through the Florida program has resulted in new varieties with higher yields, increased disease resistance, improved color and a longer shelf life.
The Florida and California breeding programs — along with the continued support from the citrus breeding program at University of California, Riverside — will work together to deliver results for California-based growers.
Progress continues to be made at the USDA-ARS field station in Parlier with the addition of a dedicated scientist, completion of a greenhouse and future plans for laboratory and office space.
Source: California Citrus Mutual
Share this Post