Although citrus greening is still a very real threat to Florida’s citrus industry, the USDA announced in its most recent forecast that it expects Florida will be able to fill 71 million boxes this year— that’s 2 million more than was expected the previous month.
Adam Putnam commented in an official statement, “Although heartening, today’s slightly improved citrus crop forecast does not change the fact that the future of Florida citrus depends on a breakthrough in the fight against greening. Until that scientific breakthrough comes, I will use every tool in the toolbox to support Florida citrus and its more than $10 billion economic impact on our state.”
Despite the still-rough road ahead, this news brings a small breath of relief to thousands of farmers and lawmakers who have felt the devastating weight of citrus greening on the economy. In addition, Putnam has acquired a “special use exemption” from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to use antibiotics as a new method for controlling citrus greening. Many hope this method will prove effective in the fight against HLB.
To read more about Florida’s Citrus Forecast, visit http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/03/florida-citrus-forecast-improves-but-trying-times.html
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection products distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture.
For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.