Citrus Greening Heroes and USMCA Improvements Pushed
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A few tiny heroes may help fight Florida’s long-running battle against citrus greening disease.
Researchers with the UF Institute of Food and Ag Sciences have found three commercially available insect species that devour the eggs of the Asian citrus psyllid, the pest responsible for spreading the disease.
These natural predators could become an important new line of defense in a fight that has stretched on for years and cost billions.
**Congressional leaders are signaling renewed momentum on a long-delayed farm bill as pressure builds from agricultural groups ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Lawmakers from both parties say negotiations have accelerated, though disagreements remain over spending levels, conservation programs and nutrition policy.
According to Reuters, lawmakers are working through budget constraints while trying to preserve crop insurance and commodity programs.
Politico reported negotiations have intensified, with staff working toward a potential framework.
**A bipartisan group of senators is urging continued support and improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement ahead of its six-year review.
Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, Montana’s Steve Daines, John Boozman of Arkansas, and Raphael Warnock of Georgia sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jaimeson Greer, highlighting the agreement’s importance to American agriculture.
They noted the U.S. is world’s largest ag exporter, with $176 billion in exports, and Canada and Mexico are key markets.
