Growers near-unanimous in support of the Citrus Research Board 

By an overwhelming margin, California citrus growers have voted to continue their support of the Visalia, Calif.-based Citrus Research Board.

The just-concluded referendum, held every five years, was conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. A majority of eligible citrus producers cast their vote, and their support was nearly unanimous — 97.80%, representing 99.51% of the state’s citrus volume, voted in favor of continuing the CRB, the release said.

“Since the referendum results exceed the criteria required for continuation stated above, the department has authorized the program to continue operating for another five-year period, through Sept. 30, 2027," CDFA Marketing Branch Chief Joe Monson said in the release.

Over the past five years, the board has focused on four research priorities: vectored diseases, pest management, production and postharvest technology, and new varieties. 

Much of the research has focused on the deadly disease huanglongbing, referred to as HLB, with a focus on keeping the infections from spreading in California, the release said. 

The disease has devastated other citrus growing regions, including Florida, but the diligence of California’s growers has kept HLB from entering any of the state’s commercial groves, the release said.

“We are pleased to once again receive the support of the industry and we look forward to continually improving upon the scientific pillars that allow the California citrus industry to thrive,” CRB President Marcy Martin said in the release. 

 The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as the mechanism enabling the state’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research, the release said. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.