Bartow, October 5, 2006-Representative Adam H. Putnam (Fl-12) today praised Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Mike Johanns for his decision to make up to $100 million available to compensate all remaining eligible commercial citrus growers and nursery owners in Florida for losses resulting from citrus canker eradication efforts.

Representative Putnam, joining the Agriculture Secretary at the announcement, noted, "USDA and the Administration have stood by their commitment to commercial citrus growers and nursery owners whose livelihoods were impacted by citrus canker eradication, and in doing so helped to preserve the future of Florida's $9 billion citrus industry, which is so vital to the State."

"With the announcement today, which brings the total funding made available by USDA up to $636 million and ensures that everyone eligible for compensation receives payment, we can bring this chapter of the citrus industry's history to a close and look to the future."

The 2004 and 2005 hurricanes spread citrus canker so extensively that USDA determined on January 10, 2006 that eradication was no longer a scientifically-feasible option.

Putnam continued, "I also want to commend Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson and the citrus industry, through the leadership of Florida Citrus Mutual, for their ongoing efforts to enable Florida to continue to produce, harvest, process and ship healthy citrus in light of the presence of citrus canker."

"Citrus canker and other disease threats have jeopardized a vital portion of Florida's economy, and today's action will help to preserve and strengthen the continued viability of the citrus industry," Putnam concluded.

- 30 -