After years of setbacks, Florida’s citrus growers may finally be getting the help they’ve long awaited.

A state Senate committee recently proposed allocating $200 million to the citrus industry in the upcoming fiscal year.

Kyle Story, a fourth-generation grower, has witnessed storms batter his family’s groves over the decades. However, he said Hurricanes Milton and Helene were the first to devastate nearly 100 percent of their crop.

“That’s something we’ve never experienced in this part of the state,” Story explained to Bay News 9. “We saw major losses after Hurricane Charley in 2004 in Southwest Florida, but Polk County has never faced anything like this.”

Like many neighboring growers, Story is now focused on recovery, including replanting trees — a process he says could be much more effective with state support.

“The funding would allow us to plant new trees, install individual protective covers, and guard against threats like psyllids and citrus greening,” Story explained.

According to a press release from Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, $190 million of the proposed funding would support field trials exploring grove management practices, disease treatments, and planting disease-resistant varieties. About $125 million would be specifically earmarked for acquiring new trees.

Initially, 60 percent of the funds would be reserved for growers managing between five and 2,500 acres. After an initial period, any remaining funds would become available to all growers.

Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, said the funding could significantly strengthen the industry’s future.

“This investment could help us advance key priorities and ensure the industry not only recovers but uses every tool available to combat citrus greening,” Joyner said.

While the budget still needs final approval, both Joyner and Story remain optimistic the proposal will earn bipartisan backing.

In the meantime, Story said he and fellow growers are determined to rebuild — and to keep hope alive for the future of Florida citrus.

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