A bill moving through the Florida Legislature aims to position Florida A&M University at the forefront of agricultural innovation by funding a new crop research initiative to combat the decline of the state’s citrus industry. Senate Bill 178, sponsored by Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, and co-sponsored by Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-Broward, unanimously passed in the Florida Senate and is now awaiting approval in the House.
The bill directs FAMU to conduct an agronomic study focused on identifying alternative crops that could be successfully grown on land previously used for citrus farming. The state’s citrus production has plummeted over the past two decades due to diseases such as citrus greening and recurring hurricane damage. Production dropped from nearly 300 million boxes in 2004 to about 20 million boxes in 2024. The 2024 hurricane season alone caused between $400 million and $975 million in agricultural losses across the state, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Lawmakers see SB 178 as a long-term investment in Florida’s agricultural resilience. The bill mandates FAMU to complete a report by Dec. 1, 2025, detailing the viability, environmental impact and economic potential of emerging crops. This report will be submitted to the governor, Senate president, and House speaker. The study will evaluate which crops can thrive in Florida’s climate, utilize existing infrastructure and provide a profitable path forward for growers struggling to recover.
While the legislation authorizes the study, it is contingent on funding approval. The Florida Senate has proposed a $1 million budget allocation for the project as part of a larger agricultural relief effort that includes $200 million in citrus recovery aid. The initiative reflects a dual strategy: reviving the citrus industry while exploring alternative crops like olives, hops, hemp and muscadine grapes, which are already being tested in parts of the state.
FAMU, Florida’s only public historically Black university and a land-grant institution, was chosen for its expertise in agricultural research. The university’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences has a strong track record of working with underrepresented farmers and researching non-traditional crops. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of leveraging FAMU’s research capacity to deliver data-driven solutions for the state’s evolving agricultural needs.
The passage of SB 178 represents a proactive effort to diversify Florida’s agricultural portfolio and support growers facing increasing environmental and economic uncertainty. With bipartisan backing and momentum in both chambers, the bill is expected to become law by July 1, pending final approval and the governor’s signature.