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FDOC Partners with National Academy of Sciences to Find Solution to Citrus Greening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Mathis, Florida Department of Citrus
863-499-2459

Lakeland, Fla. — Faced with diseases that threaten the future of the citrus industry, the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) and the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) contracted today with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to find solutions for greening and canker. The National Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious scientific organization in the United States, will bring together leading scientific advisors to work with FDOC’s current stable of expert citrus scientists to determine the most effective and efficient way to solve citrus diseases in Florida.

As an independent, third party, NAS will bring together more than 60 leading scientific experts to:
•Review research efforts to date and identify the most promising future endeavors
•Request and review proposals for new research to be conducted in 2008-2009
•Develop a long-range strategic research plan
•Publish an expert report recommending implementable solutions for citrus growers

“We are prepared to fund the research necessary to find a solution to greening and to actively communicate research discoveries to growers,” said Ken Keck, FDOC executive director. “The FCC passed a resolution in January to provide necessary support to the research effort in a responsible, accountable manner. FDOC will work closely with the entire citrus industry, especially growers, to support this urgent and immediate need for research funding,” he added.

“We commend the FDOC and FCC for taking a leadership role in commissioning greening research. The National Academy of Sciences is a world renowned organization that will bring instant credibility and unmatched depth of knowledge to the Florida citrus industry’s research efforts,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Growers should find comfort in the fact the Academy, along with the Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council (FCPRAC), will be overseeing the direction of the research and providing accountability to the process.”

“The guidance of the NAS will enable all citrus industry stakeholders to efficiently and effectively find a solution to disease and protect the future of our industry,” Keck concluded.

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The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 76,000 people, provides a $9.1 billion annual economic impact to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, please visit www.floridajuice.com.