Where Can I Get a Grant or Assistance for My Florida Small Citrus Farm?
Unlike government agencies and corporate-backed organizations that often prioritize big agriculture over small farms, the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation was created for the sole purpose of helping independent citrus growers. If you’re a small citrus grower in Florida struggling to stay afloat, you’re not alone. We believe that small farms are the heart and soul of Florida’s citrus legacy, and we’re committed to making sure they don’t disappear. The rising costs of maintaining a citrus farm, the devastating impact of citrus greening disease, and the increasing dominance of large agricultural corporations have made it harder than ever for independent growers to survive. But there is hope.
The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in Florida dedicated exclusively to providing grants to small citrus farmers. From financial assistance for daily operations, disease management, sustainability efforts, or emergency relief, our foundation is here to support you.
What Kind of Grants Does the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation Offer?
Unlike government grants, which often involve complicated applications, red tape, and long waiting periods, our foundation is focused on providing direct financial assistance to small citrus growers as quickly as possible. Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation grants are designed to meet the most urgent needs of independent farmers, including:
1. Operational Grants
Running a citrus farm is expensive, and small growers often struggle to cover essential costs. The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation offers grants to help with:
Purchasing fertilizers, pesticides, and soil treatments
Using volunteers to help maintain and harvest citrus crops
Covering utility bills, irrigation costs, and farm maintenance
By providing funding for these critical expenses, we help growers keep their farms running without accumulating overwhelming debt.
2. Disease Prevention & Treatment Grants
Citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) has devastated Florida’s citrus industry, wiping out countless groves and cutting yields dramatically. Small growers often lack the resources to fight this disease effectively. Our foundation provides:
Research funding for early detection
Grants to help cover the cost of tree removal and replanting
Assistance in purchasing disease-resistant citrus tree varieties
Support for innovative disease prevention techniques and research participation
By helping growers combat citrus greening, we ensure that small farms have a fighting chance to survive and thrive.
3. Sustainability & Innovation Grants
With climate change and environmental challenges putting added pressure on Florida’s citrus industry, small growers need access to modern, sustainable farming solutions. Our foundation supports:
Implementing eco-friendly irrigation and fertilization methods
Investing in solar-powered farm equipment
Transitioning to organic or sustainable growing practices
Funding for research and development of more resilient citrus varieties
These grants help ensure that small growers can modernize their operations and remain competitive in an evolving industry.
4. Emergency Relief Grants
Florida’s citrus growers face unpredictable weather threats such as hurricanes, freezes, and droughts. When disaster strikes, small farmers are often left with no safety net. Our emergency relief grants provide:
Immediate financial aid for farm repairs and recovery
Support for replanting efforts after severe weather damage
Assistance with crop insurance gaps and financial losses
These grants offer a critical lifeline to growers who might otherwise be forced to shut down after a disaster.
How to Apply for a Grant
The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation makes applying for financial assistance as straightforward as possible. If you’re a small citrus grower in need, follow these steps:
Submit an Application – Fill out our simple online form detailing your farm’s needs and how funding would help sustain your operation.
Provide Supporting Documents – Depending on the grant, we may request basic financial information, proof of farm ownership, or documentation of losses.
Grant Review & Approval – Our foundation’s team will review applications on a rolling basis, prioritizing small growers in urgent need. As for all nonprofits, grants are dependent on many factors, specifically contributions to the organization and availability. In this event, grant applications will be placed on a waiting list in the order they were received.
Receive Funding – If approved, funds are disbursed promptly to ensure you get the help you need—when you need it most.
Get the Help You Deserve Today
If you’re a small citrus grower struggling to keep your farm operational, don’t wait until it’s too late. The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation is here to provide the financial support you need to protect your business, your land, and Florida’s citrus heritage.
Apply for a grant today or contact us at for more information. Let’s work together to save Florida’s citrus industry—one small farm at a time.