Florida Commissioner issues crisis declaration to combat citrus greening

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued a crisis declaration to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in order to help the citrus industry fight citrus greening. His statement is as follows:
“We have issued a crisis declaration, which allows for the temporary use of three promising treatments that researchers have identified as having beneficial effects on controlling citrus greening. The temporary allowance of these treatments coincides with this spring’s flush, as the Environmental Protection Agency finalizes its consideration of the Special Use Exemption.

“The citrus industry has experienced a 71-percent decline in citrus production since the 1997-98 season. Citrus growers cannot suffer any further delay for the approval of these products—the only new treatment options—to help fight citrus greening.”