The USDA says Florida citrus producers voted to amend the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in the state.
In a referendum held from April 1 to May 1, all amendments met the requirement of being favored by two-thirds of the producers voting, or by two-thirds of the volume represented, according to a news release.
The vote outcome for each amendatory change is:
- Amendment 1 — Reduce the size of the Committee from 18 to 10 members by amending Sections 905.14 and 905.19.
- Favored by 97.78% of voting citrus producers, representing 99.98% of the production volume voted in the referendum.
- Amendment 2 — Revise the nomination and selection process, removing the designation of shipper members, changing the deadline for committee nominees from June 10 to April 10, and changing the deadline for presenting nominees for selection to the secretary from June 20 to April 20 by amending Seciton 905.22.
- Favored by 100% of voting citrus producers, representing 100% of the production volume voted in the referendum.
- Amendment 3 — Reduce the member requirement for quorum from 10 to seven members and reduce the requirement to pass any motion or approve any Committee action from eight to six concurring votes by amending Section 905.34.
- Favored by 97.78% of voting citrus producers, representing 99.98% of the production volume voted in the referendum.
- Amendment 4 — Add authority to accept voluntary contributions from domestic sources by adding a new Section 905.43.
- Favored by 97.78% of voting citrus producers, representing 99.98 percent of the production volume voted in the referendum.
A final rule amending the marketing order will be published in the Federal Register.
More information about the marketing order is available on the 905 Florida citrus webpage on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website. Information about federal marketing orders is available on AMS’ Marketing Orders and Agreements webpage or by contacting the Market Development Division at 202-720-8085.
