HM 1427 Summary

• Florida's citrus industry generates 75,800 jobs and $8.91 billion in annual economic impact, making it the largest citrus producer in the United States.

• Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease) was discovered in Florida in 2005 and has since spread to all 32 citrus-producing counties, causing $4.5 billion in economic damages and 8,200 job losses.

• The disease is a bacterial infection that attacks citrus tree vascular systems, reducing production and economic value before killing trees, with experts predicting small and middle-sized farmers will fail within 2 years without new control tools.

• The entire citrus industry infrastructure, including processing plants, packinghouses, and ancillary businesses, faces existential risk if production losses from the disease are not recaptured.

• Congress is urged to support Florida's citrus industry through policy initiatives, regulatory support, and adequate funding to combat and defeat huanglongbing; copies are to be sent to the President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Florida's congressional delegation.