Growers and Grocers

The U.S. government announced more funds to compensate Florida citrus growers after the USDA ordered them to eradicate trees infected with citrus canker. The disease spread quickly in the high winds of 2004’s hurricanes.

The government now admits defeat, and has sought a treatment program that focuses on improving a plant’s health instead of eradicating the disease. So far, the government has given $536 million to compensate growers affected by the blight.