Built to protect California citrus from pests and disease, a new citrus research lab is set to open in Riverside.
The California Citrus Research Foundation and the University of California, Riverside will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Biosafety Level-3 Lab for citrus research on Sept. 26, according to a news release.
The lab, located in Riverside, Calif., is the product of a partnership between the state’s citrus growers and UC Riverside. The lab aims to protect California’s $3.3 billion citrus industry from the deadly citrus plant disease Huanglongbing, or HLB, according to the release.
Construction of the $8 million lab began in 2016 and was entirely funded by the California Citrus Research Foundation through donations by citrus growers and packers.
Speakers at the event will include:
- Kim Wilcox, Chancellor, UC Riverside;
- Dave Smith, Chairman, California Citrus Research Foundation;
- Casey Creamer, president/CEO, California Citrus Mutual;
- Dan Dreyer, Chairman, Citrus Research Board; and
- Joel Nelsen, Executive Director, California Citrus Research Foundation.
Several elected representatives have been invited to the event as well, according to the release.
