June 12, 2025, Washington, D.C. – The U.S. citrus industry extends its sincere appreciation to Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, and his colleagues on the Committee for including funding for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in the Senate’s Farm Bill reconciliation package. This critical investment will help protect and preserve the U.S. citrus industry from the devastating impacts of Huanglongbing (HLB, or citrus greening disease) and other emerging threats.
The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program provides essential support to public and private research institutions working to develop scientifically sound, real-world solutions to combat citrus disease pressures. Inclusion of this funding in the Senate package demonstrates a continued, bipartisan commitment to sustaining domestic citrus production in the face of unprecedented biological and economic challenges.
“This research funding is vital for Florida’s growers, who continue to battle the daily impacts of HLB,” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Senator Boozman has once again shown that he understands the urgency of this issue and the importance of maintaining a strong domestic citrus industry. We’re grateful for his leadership and that of the entire Senate Agriculture Committee.”
Dale Murden, President of Texas Citrus Mutual, emphasized the importance of research continuity. “From Texas to California to Florida, citrus growers are united in the need for long-term investment in disease mitigation and industry survival,” said Murden. “This funding will support innovative solutions and bring much-needed stability to growers across the country. We appreciate the Senate’s recognition of these challenges”.
“California growers are confronting increasing pest pressures and regulatory costs,” said Casey Creamer, President and CEO of California Citrus Mutual. “The Emergency Citrus Disease Program continuation ensures that science will continue to guide our path forward. We thank Senator Boozman and the Committee for recognizing the important contributions of our citrus growers by providing national research support for a critical domestic industry.”
The citrus industry remains committed to working closely with both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees as the process advances, ensuring that this essential funding remains in the final package. Together, the U.S. citrus industry supports over 100,000 jobs and generates more than $7 billion in economic impact annually.
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Media Contacts:
Florida Citrus Mutual – Matt Joyner: MattJ@flcitrusmutual.com
Texas Citrus Mutual – Dale Murden: dale@valleyag.org
California Citrus Mutual – Abby Peltzer: abby@cacitrusmutual.com
About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)
CCM is a voluntary, non-profit trade association representing California citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that most impact them. For more information about CCM, please visit www.cacitrusmutual.com.
