Governor Rick Scott is fully committed to helping the Florida Citrus Industry recover from the damages caused by Hurricane Irma.

As part of his commitment, Gov. Scott proposed more than $21 million investments in the Florida Citrus Industry. The investment is part of his state budget recommendation for 2018 to 2019.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Hurricane Irma caused $760 million in damages to the State’s citrus industry. Every citrus-producing county reported fruit loss—in some areas as much as 90%.

Details of the investment proposal for Florida citrus industry

Under the governor’s proposal, Florida will invest $10 million in citrus research to find solutions to citrus greening. His proposal is $2 million more than the budget for citrus research for the current year.

Citrus Greening is an agricultural disease spread by an insect called Asian citrus psyllid, that eats the stems and leaves of the trees. The insect infects citrus trees with the bacteria that results to citrus greening. The disease weakens the ability of citrus trees to absorb nourishment, therefore resulting to fewer and smaller fruit over time. Right now, there is no cure for citrus greening.

Additionally, Gov. Scott is proposing a $7 million investment for Citrus Health response Program. The funding will ensure that growers have resources to replant healthy citrus trees destroyed by Hurricane Irma. The investment will also help minimize the spread of citrus greening.

Furthermore, the governor is proposing $4 million funding to support the Department of Citrus consumer awareness initiatives regarding the Florida citrus and orange juice market.

In a statement, Gov. Scott said, “I am proud to announce $21 million for Florida’s world famous citrus industry which will support important research opportunities, awareness efforts and ongoing recovery operations. We will continue to fight for Florida’s farmers and their families as we work with the Legislature to pass this significant investment.”

Gov. Scott requested Congress to pass disaster relief package

Last month, the governor encouraged the members of the Florida congressional delegation to do something for the citrus industry.

Gov. Scott requested Congress to pass a $2.5 billion disaster relief package to facilitate the citrus industry’s recovery efforts.

While waiting for Congress to pass a relief package, Gov. Scott activated a $25 million Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program. Citrus growers affected by the storm are eligible for short-term, free-interest working capital loans.