The recently $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package for this fiscal year -for government programs approved by Congress- continues to fund programs to battle citrus disease. Funding again was provided to help fight the Huanglongbing and the Asian Citrus Psyllid which spreads the disease.
This year's package again provides $69.5 million to the Citrus Health Response Program. Citrus grower organizations from California, Texas and Florida also contribute to the program to offset the cost to growers when it comes to the Citrus Pest and Disease Program.
Recorderonline.com reports that, while HLB has been kept out of commercial groves in California so far, there's always concern as this past fall the Asian Citrus Psyllid was found in numerous counties, including Tulare. The Asian Citrus Psyllid was also found in Kern, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties this past fall.
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