Florida's largest citrus trade organisation, Florida Citrus Mutual, has said that recent actions taken by governor Charlie Crist have displayed a 'lack of support' for the state's signature industry.
In May, governor Crist vetoed measure HB 981, which would have codified the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), a body that the industry sees as 'ground zero' for the industry's fight against citrus greening disease.
Additionally, the governor took US$1m out of the state budget that was destined for the CRDF to fund citrus greening research, something that citrus growers would have been required to match with US$1.5m of their own money.
'Clearly the governor doesn't understand the seriousness of the pests and diseases our US$9bn industry is battling,' said Michael Sparks, executive vice-president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. 'Quite frankly, I'm a little surprised because we recently had the governor in a grove to explain the severe issues we are facing.'
Mr Sparks added that the recent vetoes had been 'imperiling' the future of Florida citrus and its 76,000 jobs, and remarked that the appearance of orange and blossom on the state's official license plate could be the 'last place residents may see them' thanks to the governor's actions.
'Florida citrus growers have funded more than US$26m in research over the past three years, so we have skin in the game – this was not a hand out,' Mr Sparks added. 'This US$1m was essential to augment what citrus growers have already put up. I'm very disappointed the governor did not believe it was important.'
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