The recently passed 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Bill contains $7.5 million in funding to fight citrus greening disease thanks to the work of U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL).
“I have always stressed how important it is for us to invest the necessary funds to finding a cure for citrus greening before the American citrus industry becomes a thing of the past,” Rooney said. “This $7.5 million is more than we could have hoped for. I am pleased that the negotiators recognized how essential this funding is and included it in the final bill. I am hopeful that this money will increase the likelihood of finding a cure for citrus greening.”
Rooney is one of the only members of the Florida delegation who sits on the House Appropriations Committee and is the sole Florida member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. He has made the fight against citrus greening disease one of his priorities since his election in 2008, including the addition of specific directives and funding to support citrus disease research in the 2016 funding bill.
The $7.5 million that was included in the bill will sustain the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Group’s (HLB-MAC) recent research gains in early detection, greening management strategies and therapies for the treatment of infected trees.
“I appreciate Congressman Rooney’s tireless dedication to the citrus industry and being such a good advocate for Florida’s citrus in Congress,” Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) said. “Ultimately finding a cure for citrus greening is critical for maintaining an abundant and affordable food supply for the entire nation, and securing this funding is an important step to finding a cure.”