Rooney Boosts Funding to Combat Citrus Disease

Press Release

The 2016 Agriculture Appropriations Bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee today includes a $2 million funding boost for citrus disease research requested by U.S. Representative Tom Rooney (FL-17).

"Citrus greening disease poses an existential threat to Florida's citrus industry and the 76,000 jobs it supports," Rooney said. "This disease has already caused the loss of 200,000 acres of Florida citrus groves, and it now impacts every grove in our state. If we don't take action, Florida orange juice will be a thing of the past.

"The funding in this bill will advance critical research to detect, manage, and ultimately find a cure for citrus greening disease. This is an important step forward, but I will continue working to increase citrus disease funding and ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely."

The Agriculture Appropriations bill totals $20.65 billion in discretionary funding, which is $175 million lower than the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.

"Our bill saves taxpayer money by targeting funds to programs that work, while cutting inefficient, wasteful projects," Rooney said. "We've also cut through red tape and reined in regulatory overreach onto farms in Florida and across the country."

Source