Texas citrus growers in the Rio Grande Valley will vote in October whether to take a next step in their battle against citrus pests and diseases.
Citrus growers in Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties will consider a referendum Oct. 12-24 regarding the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation. Producers will vote whether or not to establish pest management zones, to approve a maximum assessment rate and to elect board members comprised of citrus growers representing a zone.
Eligible to vote in the referendum are citrus growers, which includes grove owners, landlords, tenants or sharecroppers with agricultural property valuation in the Rio Grande Valley.
“It’s tailored somewhat after the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Program,” Dale Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual, told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “If approved, the corporation board would drive suppression programs, as needed, whether for greening, Mexican fruit fly, canker or whatever arises.”
Murden noted the proposed pest management zone is the commercial citrus industry in Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties.
He said the maximum effective assessment rate proposed is $125 per acre, and that the corporation board would consist of 10 producers.
Eligible voters should receive a ballot by mail prior to Oct. 12, at which time voting begins. Ballots are due back to the Texas Department of Agriculture and must be postmarked by Oct. 24. Ballots can be requested by calling 956-580-8004, or ballots can be obtained at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices in the three counties.
The mission of the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation, as declared in the Texas Agriculture Code §80.002, is to manage and control citrus pests and diseases in citrus plants in the state of Texas by planning, carrying out and operating a suppression program while incorporating an areawide, integrated pest management approach.