Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state budget on June 29 for the 2026–27 fiscal year. It includes nearly $196 million in support for the recovery and revitalization of Florida’s citrus industry through investments in research, field trials, nursery and packing equipment infrastructure, and marketing.
Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner issued the following statement:
“Florida’s citrus growers are grateful to Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton and members of the Florida Legislature for the confidence they have shown in the future of our industry. We have overcome challenge after challenge caused by citrus greening and hurricanes, and now we have promising new tools, technologies and varieties that can help accelerate recovery and strengthen the long-term viability of Florida citrus. These resources will help growers adopt proven solutions more quickly, restore production, strengthen critical industry infrastructure and secure the future of Florida’s iconic crop so that it can continue contributing to our economy, environment and way of life for generations to come.”
Investments in the 2026–27 state budget to support Florida’s citrus industry include:
- $160 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation, which will help citrus growers fund commercial-scale testing of promising technologies, treatments and production practices while collecting data that is shared with growers and researchers to identify and accelerate the adoption of solutions that improve tree health, productivity and profitability
- $20 million for Citrus Nursery and Packing Equipment Grants to purchase or rehabilitate equipment for citrus nurseries and packinghouses
- $5 million in nonrecurring funds ($15 million total annual investment) for Florida Department of Citrus marketing efforts to promote the state’s citrus products among consumers and influencers
- $4.5 million for basic citrus research through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation
- $2.25 million for the Crop Transformation Center to expedite solutions for addressing pests and diseases affecting citrus production in Florida
- $2 million for the Citrus Recovery Program, administered by the Florida Department of Citrus, 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
Florida’s 2026–27 fiscal year budget will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual
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