Citrus Pest and Disease Referendum Passes (11/16/2016)

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has announced the passing of a referendum to establish a citrus pest and disease management program in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Voters approved the measure along with a maximum assessment of $125 per acre to fund the program. The management program will be administered by the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation out of Mission.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Zone consists of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties. Citrus producers in this area have been at risk for diseases such as citrus greening and citrus canker, and the establishment of this management program will be helpful in creating a unified approach to treating and preventing pests and the spread of disease. 

A 10-person board of directors was also elected to oversee the program and includes the following individuals:

• James Bettiga
• R.L. Dreibelbis
• Jud Flowers
• Paul Heller
• Jim Hoffman
• Dennis Holbrook
• Fred Karle
• Steve Lievens
• Jimmy Pawlik
• Bruce Sutton