
Florida Senate Seeks to Boost Struggling Citrus Industry in New Budget
The Florida Senate is taking decisive action to support the state's beleaguered citrus industry, which has been facing significant challenges in recent years. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has been vocal about her commitment to revitalizing the sector, stating, "Citrus is not going down on my watch." This sentiment is reflected in the proposed 2025 budget, which includes targeted funding aimed at bolstering the citrus industry.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has released a leaner budget proposal amounting to $117 billion, with specific allocations designed to address the needs of the citrus sector. This move comes at a critical time as the industry struggles with issues such as citrus greening disease and competition from other regions. The proposed budget aims to provide financial relief and support research and development initiatives to combat these challenges.
The citrus industry is a vital part of Florida's economy, contributing significantly to the state's agricultural output. The Senate's efforts to include funding for the citrus sector in the new budget underscore the importance of this industry to Florida's economic health and cultural heritage. As the budget proposal moves forward, stakeholders in the citrus industry are hopeful that these measures will help secure a more sustainable future for their operations.