Advocating for Growers, State and Nationwide
MEMBER ADVOCACY
As a trade organization representing more than 1,500 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual has a responsibility to address all the issues facing Florida citrus growers.
Whether in Tallahassee, Washington, D.C., or right here in Florida’s citrus belt, Mutual is communicating growers’ concerns and advocating for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Florida Citrus Mutual's
STATE
ADVOCACY
WEATHER
Florida Citrus Mutual provides assistance to growers in preparation for and response to severe weather events, including freezes and hurricanes.
PESTS AND DISEASE
Florida citrus growers battle a variety of pest and disease on a daily basis. Some pest and disease currently impacting Florida are the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, citrus canker, black spot and, most significantly, citrus greening.
WATER
Clean water is critical to grow healthy citrus crops for consumers around the world to enjoy.
LAND AND DEVELOPMENT
Urban expansion and increasing land values continue to affect the availability of land to continue to grow Florida’s iconic citrus.
RESEARCH
Florida’s citrus growers rely on research to combat the various challenges facing the industry, such as citrus greening. Research related to citrus greening is focused on developing a disease-resistant variety. New developments offer citrus growers hope that they will have the means to come back stronger than ever.
Florida Citrus Mutual's
FEDERAL
ADVOCACY
DISASTER RECOVERY AID
Florida Citrus Mutual continues to advocate in Washington, D.C. to secure meaningful disaster relief following an estimated $675 million in citrus losses from the freezes of early 2026. Florida's congressional delegation introduced the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act in June 2026. The legislation would deliver $3.5 billion in federal relief for producers in counties covered by the USDA's March 2026 freeze disaster designation. Florida Citrus Mutual continues to push for its swift passage. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, under Commissioner Simpson, is administering the $600 million Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program for impacts from the 2023 and 2024 hurricanes seasons.
Florida Citrus Mutual continues to advocate for a new five-year Farm Bill recognizing the needs of Sunshine State citrus growers. Meaningful investments in specialty crops, research and plant health, along with reauthorization of the Citrus Disease Subcommittee will provide the support growers need to continue delivering.
LABOR
To produce delicious Florida oranges, citrus growers require an adequate supply of labor from reliable and qualified workers. Florida Citrus Mutual works to ensure the U.S. Department of Labor has Florida citrus growers in mind when considering new and old policy and rules.
