Guest Commentary | Make Citrus Great Again, one tree at a time
Mark my words, Florida Citrus is not going down on my watch. This heritage industry is not only vital to our state’s economy, but it is truly a part of the DNA of Florida. Citrus has been a pillar of our state since the 1500s, serving as a key economic driver within our vital agricultural industry. In fact, Florida Citrus provides more than $6.9 billion in economic impact and employs tens of thousands of Floridians across the state. Citrus matters.
To those growers who are left in the business, hear me when I say, you are not forgotten, you are not alone, and the Florida Senate is running to this fight. I know the challenges you face all too well. As a 4th generation citrus grower, I face them myself. Greening, canker, hurricanes, and foreign competition have wreaked havoc on our industry; there is no hiding the fact Florida Citrus is on the verge of a full-scale catastrophe. We simply can’t let that happen to Florida’s signature crop.
Thoughtful investments in research and new technologies offer renewed hope for the future of citrus. Florida will lead the way in pursuing these opportunities. We will find innovative solutions to the problems that have plagued us for years. We will lead the revitalization of Florida’s citrus industry.
In fact, previous investments in research have already yielded significant results. Growers today have a better understanding of how to fight greening than five years ago, bringing hope to the entire industry. Groundbreaking research has led to treatments that mitigate the symptoms of greening, new studies have produced disease-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties, and innovative therapies are helping to prevent fruit drop and increase fruit size.
In the Senate’s proposed budget, we are investing $200 million in key funding for this iconic industry — including $190 million to help our growers put more trees in the ground and an additional $10 million to support the supply chain here in Florida. The industry needs support from all angles. Growers, packers, and distributors have all suffered as a result of the challenges we’ve faced in recent years.
We’re also investing in long-term solutions to issues such as greening and canker. By implementing large-scale field trials, we will have a better understanding of the best practices for both the planting of new trees and the rehabilitation of exiting trees. We will leave no stone unturned. Grove design, planting preparation, pest management, disease management, pest and disease exclusion structures, and post planting production practices are all on the table. With the information gathered from these field trials, we will know how to deliver better outcomes for growers and save Florida’s signature crop.
We’re on the edge of something special. Florida Citrus is making a comeback, one tree at a time. I am running to the fight to save Florida Citrus, and I ask you to join me in that fight. Together, we’ll make citrus great again.
Sen. Ben Albritton represents Hardee, DeSoto, Charlotte, and portions of Polk County. He is a 6th generation Floridian and 4th generation citrus grower and is currently the President of the Florida Senate.