As I write this column, Florida\u2019s legislative leaders have reached an agreed upon plan for appropriations<\/a> of spending in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Next up, it will head to Governor DeSantis\u2019 desk for review in advance of July 1. Within the 115.1 billion dollar budget is nearly $140 million investment in the Florida citrus industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are other investments in the industry that Matt discusses in his column. The $104.5m is an unprecedented amount\u2014 an increase of 86.5 million over the previous year. My heartfelt thanks go out to all in our industry who took time to advocate on our behalf, and to those policymakers who recognize our impact on Florida. I especially want to thank Senate President Ben Albritton for his infallible leadership and for holding Florida citrus in a spotlight at a time when we sorely need it. We\u2019re not just trying to survive\u2014 we\u2019re going to beat back the effects of citrus greening\u2014 we\u2019re determined to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence of this determination isn\u2019t free, and it will take both public (like the funds you see above) and private (our growers\u2019 stake in the business) investment to get us there. Dr. Marisa Zansler, the FDOC director of economic and market research, gave an excellent presentation on this topic at the most recent FCC Meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs. If you were able to attend this meeting, you heard the numbers and facts\u2014 not wishing or hope\u2014 of what it will take to get nearly 4.5 million new orange trees in the ground over the next three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the current funding from the state, this model for replanting our Florida citrus is not only economically viable, but also actionable. It\u2019s important to note that the projections within this model are conservative when estimating the level of production from the proposed replantings. For example, some grove blocks will have the irrigation to support higher density plantings. However, I will acknowledge that funding from the state without our skin in the game means nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simultaneously, and in perfect tandem with what we now know could be a real renaissance for the citrus industry, the FDOC is working around the clock to make sure that the value of 100% orange juice remains front-and-center in a cut-throat competitive beverage market. Consumers, though they want to be educated, are forgetful at times\u2014 especially when their wallets are stretched thin. And that\u2019s because they are bombarded with options, especially in the beverage category. The FDOC marketing team is dedicated to reinforcing the value of Florida Orange Juice<\/a> at a time when value matters more than price to the consumer\u2014 meaning that they want what delivers the most value for their dollar\u2014 and the FDOC marketing team is devoted to driving sales for Florida Orange Juice at a time when it\u2019s needed the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf that $140 million investment:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Florida citrus replanting strategy by the numbers were presented like this:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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