Reflecting the industry’s sagging fortunes, the Florida Citrus Commission is recommending a 22 percent spending cut.
WUSF
The commission oversees the Department of Citrus, which is struggling with a devastating plant disease and legislative belt-tightening.
The proposed $17.5 million operating budget would eliminate $1.5 million in retail marketing and another $1.4 million for public relations.
However, the budget proposal would continue a $250,000 contract with Visit Florida to provide orange juice at welcome centers.
Citrus greening will shrink the orange harvest 14 percent this year to 70 million boxes, a shadow of the 230 million boxes harvested in 2000.
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