Florida Allocates Almost $200 Million for Citrus Recovery

The Florida Legislature on May 29 approved nearly $196 million as part of the 2026–27 fiscal year budget to accelerate the recovery of Florida’s citrus industry. The expenditure includes $160 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation to expand field trials and support new plantings. It also provides $4.5 million to advance basic research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), which is merging with CRAFT.

“The Florida Legislature’s nearly $196 million investment reinforces the state’s commitment to combat citrus greening, strengthen production and sustain the state’s iconic citrus industry,” Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner said. “We are incredibly grateful to our state champions, including Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez and legislators in both chambers for their support. Championing Florida’s citrus industry is more important now than ever to preserve the sweet legacy of Florida citrus for years to come.”

Individual items in the allocation include:

• $160 million for citrus research through CRAFT to help citrus growers fund new plantings, treatments and growing methods while gathering data to continue driving the industry’s progress
• $20 million for Citrus Nursery and Packing Equipment Grants to purchase or rehabilitate equipment for citrus nurseries and packinghouses
• An increase of $5 million in non-recurring funds ($15 million total)for Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) marketing efforts to promote the state’s citrus products among consumers and influencers
• $4.5 million for basic citrus research through CRDF
• $2.25 million for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Crop Transformation Center to expedite solutions for addressing pests and diseases affecting citrus production
• $2 million for the Citrus Recovery Program, administered by the FDOC to advance technologies and varieties that prove higher tolerance or resistance to citrus greening
• $2 million for the Citrus Budwood Program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to expand propagation of citrus greening-tolerant or resistant budwood trees and seedlings

Source: Florida Citrus Mutual