NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a new citrus rootstock designed to help trees defend themselves against citrus greening, giving growers another tool against one of the industry’s biggest threats. The decision comes as Florida citrus production remains near historic lows after years of disease pressure.
The product, called CarriCea T1, is a citrus rootstock that uses precise edits to the tree’s own genes rather than adding DNA from other organisms. EPA said the rootstock helps disrupt the interaction between the citrus plant and the bacteria that cause greening.
That matters in the grove because stronger plant defenses could reduce dependence on conventional sprays. EPA said the new tool may help growers manage citrus greening with fewer chemical applications while protecting yields and productive acreage.
The backdrop is severe. EPA said greening has destroyed more than 90 percent of Florida citrus production over the past two decades, and USDA reported the 2024-2025 Florida crop was the smallest since the 1919-1920 season.
EPA said fruit produced from the new rootstock will be indistinguishable from fruit grown on other rootstocks. The agency also said it completed a dietary safety review under its plant-incorporated protectant framework before granting approval.
Farm-Level Takeaway: EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool at a time when production losses remain severe.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
February 06, 2026 04:18 PM
·
Congressman Pete Stauber explains why the repeal of a Biden-era mining ban is good not only for his home state of Minnesota – it’s good for America.
February 06, 2026 03:56 PM
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
February 06, 2026 12:36 PM
·
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
·
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
·
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
February 06, 2026 10:15 AM
·
