HLB Protocols Could Shut Down Shipping

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Standard Huanglongbing regulations stemming from Florida’s outbreak in citrus could shut down many operations if a tree in California tests positive.

HLB Protocols Could Shut Down Shipping

It’s taken over four years to mold the current Asian citrus psyllid regulation protocols to better fit California. Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita says the HLB protocol will shut down shipping, even for closed facilities, for a year if a positive test is found nearby. Kinosita says some growers have spent a lot of money to have a disease-free, closed facility and one test in a county can nullify that advantage. Kinoshita added that they are working on trying to change policies before it happens, however the news of the current regulations in place was pretty shocking to some.