Buchanan Hosts USDA Secretary and Growers

Buchanan Hosts USDA Secretary and Growers

Wauchula, Florida - Congressional candidate Vern Buchanan hosted United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns this week in Wauchula. Johanns announced that $100 million is available to compensate additional commercial citrus growers and nursery owners in Florida for losses from Citrus canker eradication efforts.

"Florida citrus is important to the state's economy and heritage," said Buchanan. "Citrus canker is among the many challenges facing the industry. The funding announced by Secretary Johanns will ensure that everyone who is eligible for compensation for losses resulting from citrus canker eradication efforts receives payment. With the help of area growers, I hope to address the quarantine of Florida citrus in other citrus-producing state's and work in general to ensure that Florida citrus remains viable."

After the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 spread Citrus canker across the state, the USDA determined that eradication is no longer a viable option to address Citrus canker and agreed to compensate the industry for trees destroyed under the program. A new program has been established to set standards to plant, grow, harvest, process and ship Florida citrus.

Secretary Johanns announced the additional compensation during a roundtable with area growers hosted by Buchanan in Wauchula. Other issues discussed included trade, labor, growth and development.

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