ISSUE 1098 USDA BACKS OUT OF CITRUS CANKER ERADICATION PROGRAM The
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced Wednesday
(January 11) that it had received word from USDA officials saying they no longer
believe that it is possible to eradicate citrus canker. After
reviewing USDA's scientific analysis of the potential spread of the disease from
the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, the officials said a new management plan
must be devised that focuses on maintaining bacteria levels low enough to sustain
citrus production while protecting groves that have not been infested with canker.
In
the meantime, USDA said it will no longer fund tree removal that is done with
eradication as the goal. USDA, in conjunction with FDACS, intends to develop a
response plan that will outline the new management practices. The
Florida Legislature will now have to address the laws that guide the Citrus Canker
Eradication Program, notably the requirement that the Department remove infected
citrus trees and exposed trees within 1,900 feet. ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP (Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.) | |
