Administrator Zeldin Hosts Florida Farmer Roundtable Following EPA Approval of New Tool to Combat Citrus Greening Disease
Broward County, Fla. — On Friday, May 15, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin hosted a roundtable discussion with the Florida Farm Bureau and local farmers in Pompano Beach, Florida, followed by a media availability. The visit came just two weeks after the Trump EPA approved CarriCea T1, a breakthrough citrus rootstock that helps trees defend themselves against citrus greening disease — the bacterial infection that has destroyed more than 90 percent of Florida's citrus production over the past two decades.
The CarriCea T1 approval gives American growers a powerful new tool that fights disease at its source while reducing the need for conventional pesticide sprays.
At the roundtable, Administrator Zeldin heard directly from Broward County and statewide agricultural leaders about the top issues facing the citrus industry and Florida agriculture more broadly. He also highlighted the actions the Trump Administration has taken to protect this crucial American industry.
“Over the past couple of decades, citrus greening has been devastating for America’s citrus growers, especially in Florida where citrus production is down 95% since the early 2000s. The corner has finally been turned, however, with exciting new technology that was just approved by the Trump EPA. It was great to be in Florida last week to meet with many dedicated farmers and Ag leaders, to hear directly how this agency can continue to help them prosper,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The visit marked Administrator Zeldin's fourth trip to Florida since his confirmation as EPA Administrator. In November 2025, he toured Duda Farms' operation in Palm Beach County.
See coverage from the Administrator’s recent visit below:
Tap Into Pompano Beach: Return of Backyard Citrus in Pompano? EPA Administrator Touts New Disease Resistant Citrus Tech at Local Meeting
@MichaelgWaltz on X: HUGE for Florida’s farmers. Thank you @epaleezeldin.
@SenRickScott on X: THANK YOU, @epaleezeldin! This is incredible news for Florida and for citrus lovers around the world. I appreciate your work with President Trump to provide REAL solutions to SUPPORT our farmers and their work feeding the Sunshine State and nation!
@RepKatCammack on X: Proud to have supported this effort. This has the potential to be a game changer for our struggling citrus industry. Thank you @epaleezeldin for making this a priority!
@SenAshleyMoody on X: Making Florida citrus great again. Thanks to @EPA, this new technology is helping fight citrus greening disease and restore Florida’s iconic citrus industry.