U.S. citrus grateful for emergency citrus disease funding

May 15, 2025, Washington, D.C. – On behalf of the U.S. citrus industry, we extend our sincere thanks to Chairman GT Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for including critical funding for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in the budget reconciliation draft released this week.

This investment represents a vital commitment to the long-term health and competitiveness of citrus growers in Florida, Texas, California, and across the country. The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program is essential to combating devastating diseases like HLB (citrus greening), which continue to threaten the viability of citrus production in the United States.

“As leaders of the citrus industry, we have long advocated for dedicated federal support to address citrus disease challenges through science-based solutions,” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual BB #:163418. “Chairman Thompson’s leadership reinforces that the needs of our growers are being heard.”

Dale Murden, President of Texas Citrus Mutual BB #:162356, added: “This is an encouraging step forward for the citrus industry. Our growers are navigating increasing biological threats and economic pressures, and investments like this make a real difference in ensuring a future for U.S.-grown citrus.”

“California’s citrus growers, like our counterparts in Florida and Texas, are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Casey Creamer, President/CEO of California Citrus Mutual BB #:163392. “Chairman Thompson’s inclusion of this program is a strong signal that citrus is part of the future of American agriculture.”

While this funding is an important victory, the citrus industry continues to support passage of a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill that incorporates the broader set of transformational policy reforms outlined by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance – including improvements to crop insurance, mechanization investments, and fair trade policies.

Whenever Congress invests in American agriculture, specialty crops—including citrus—must be part of the equation. U.S. citrus growers produce nutritious food for American families while contending with significant cost, regulatory, and climate-related pressures. This funding is a meaningful step, but additional action is needed to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our industry.

Media Contacts:
Florida Citrus Mutual – Leigh McGowan: leigh@redhillsfl.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.