Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Group Announces Plans to Focus Funding on the Most Promising ‘Shovel-Ready’ Projects for Combating Citrus Greening Disease

Over the last six years, the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination (HLB MAC) Group, led by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has invested nearly $47 million to support critical research and development projects aimed at creating tools that could help the U.S. citrus industry fight back against HLB, also known as citrus greening disease. Projects have focused on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) control, infected tree therapies, technologies to protect new plantings against HLB infection, and early detection technologies.

 

This year, the group will focus on funding projects that are ready to move from the laboratory to the grove. The HLB MAC is currently considering several ‘shovel-ready’ projects identified by citrus-producing states and plans to announce funding decisions in early July. This step is one way the HLB MAC is delivering on its promise of quickly providing practical and effective tools to citrus growers.

 

Although the HLB MAC is shifting its funding to support shovel-ready projects, research and development projects remain a priority. APHIS is currently working with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service to establish funding opportunities that will support long-term innovation and further advance methods for combating citrus greening disease.

 

Visit the USDA website to learn more about the HLB MAC and its work to speed progress towards effective and practical solutions to mitigate the impact of citrus greening disease on U.S. citrus production.