Florida researchers have secured a $5 million USDA grant to combat a lethal avacado disease.
Laurel wilt disease is the avocado industry’s most devastating disease and was first detected in Florida in 2013.
Ambrosia beetles are known transmitters, leading to more than 350,000 tree losses.
Twelve scientists from across the state will work on the research over the next five years, looking for solutions and expanding market opportunities.
Avocado trade between the U.S. and Mexico has reached new highs.
In the last fiscal year more than $3.5 billion dollars of Meixcan hass avocados were imported into the U.S.
Mexico is home to nearly 35,000 growers, most of whom are family farmers.
Texas A&M researchers estimate for every dollar of Mexican hass avocadoes imported, $2.13 is generated in U.S. economic output.
