Organic Citrus Researchers Receive $2 Million to Tackle Greening Disease

Citrus greening disease has forever altered the U.S. citrus industry since its emergence in 2005 and the disease remains a challenge to citrus growers. The organic citrus industry was just awarded $2 million for research efforts to control this disease. USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture invested nearly $11 million in emergency funding research on how to better combat the disease in three major citrus growing areas – Florida, California and Texas.

The $2 million grant will go toward a team of scientists from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University and The Organic Center. These researchers will embark on a four-year project to provide organic citrus growers with critical tools to reduce and manage the spread of the disease.

Read more on citrus greening disease and organic efforts to combat it here.