Photo by: Tim R. Gottwald and Steve M. Garnsey – USDA Agricultural Research Service.
New funding is available to Florida citrus growers affected by Huanglongbing, also known as HLB or citrus greening. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that growers will be eligible for up to 50 percent of the cost of the removal of diseased trees and site preparation, 65 percent of the cost of replanting and labor, and 65 percent of the cost of seedlings. Losses must have occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011. “USDA is investing in research and a variety of strategies to combat citrus greening over the long-term. In the meantime though, this support will help ensure growers are not wiped out in the short-term,” said Vilsack. Learn more.
