USDA Adds $100 Million In Canker Compensation
The Bush Administration and USDA Secretary Mike Johanns recently pledged an additional $100 million to Florida citrus growers who lost trees during the citrus canker eradication program.
“We are very grateful to Secretary Johanns and the Administration for their support and generosity,” Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. “Many growers lost their livelihoods as a result of this plant disease, and the federal government has reimbursed them for their losses.”
The announcement by Johanns of the additional $100 million in assistance was made in Lakeland and was attended by Bronson, Rep Adam Putnam of Bartow, officials from Florida Citrus Mutual, and a number of growers.
The compensation brings to $636 million the amount of assistance that USDA has provided Florida citrus growers who lost trees to the disease.
Bronson said that the funding from Washington will help provide for the continuing recovery of Florida’s citrus industry.
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