Florida’s Citrus Industry Faces Crisis as New Bill Seeks Relief

Florida's iconic citrus industry is grappling with a severe crisis, prompting state lawmakers to introduce a new bill aimed at alleviating the burden on citrus growers. The legislation comes as a response to the alarming disappearance of orange groves across the state, exacerbated by the devastating effects of citrus greening disease. This disease has threatened Florida's ambitious $200 million plan to revive its struggling orange groves, a cornerstone of the state's agricultural heritage.

The proposed bill seeks to provide financial relief and support to citrus farmers, who have been hit hard by the decline in production and the rising costs associated with combating citrus greening. The disease, which has no known cure, has led to significant losses for growers, with many forced to uproot their groves due to the economic unviability of continuing operations.

The urgency of the situation has been underscored by recent reports highlighting the rapid spread of citrus greening and its impact on Florida's economy. As the state's lawmakers work to pass the new bill, the future of Florida's citrus industry hangs in the balance, with hopes that the proposed measures will help stabilize and eventually rejuvenate this vital sector.

• Citrus Greening
• Citrus Industry
• Florida
• Orange Groves