The Florida Legislature has approved a budget and now wait for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature before the start of the next fiscal year beginning July 1. As constructed, the budget would provide funding for multiple programs that would benefit the state’s farmers.
It was announced that the state legislature approved a $114.5 billion budget following the regular session and special sessions.
Highlighting the budget’s impact on Florida agriculture includes $38 million to the Farmers Feeding Florida program. The funds will purchase, transport and distribute Florida-grown products to food-insecure Florida residents.
A total of $19 million will be sent to Fresh From Florida, a program designed to promote Florida-grown products through marketing and partnerships with global retailers.
Florida’s citrus industry will collect almost $196 million to support research, infrastructure and the availability of healthy citrus rootstock. A total of $160 million will be directed to the Citrus Research and Field Trials Foundation (CRAFT) to fund new plantings, treatments and growing methods, while $20 million will provide 70% cost-share funding to commercial citrus nurseries and packinghouses for purchase or refurbishment of equipment or for related infrastructure repairs to facilities; $28 million will be sent to the Florida Department of Citrus to market Florida’s citrus products.
Also, $425 million would be directed to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to purchase conservation easements on working farms.
Source: Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association