The Florida Citrus Commission is slashing its budget and laying off staff in the wake of a devastating crop disease.
Citrus greening is being blamed for the worst orange harvest in 50 years, and growers are worried about the future of Florida’s signature crop.
The industry taxes itself to pay for the commission and growers demanded the cuts. Commissioners decided to slash salaries $1.4 million and cut 20 positions, only six of which were vacant.
Lawmakers have set aside $8 million to fight the disease in next year’s state budget.
