A proposed rule from the USDA would increase the assessment rate for Florida citrus for the 2023-24 fiscal year and subsequent years.
Under the proposal, recommended by the Citrus Administrative Committee, the assessment increased from 1.5 cents to 2 cents per 4/5-bushel carton of Florida citrus under the marketing order. The last time the assessment was changed was the 2018-19 season, the USDA said.
The USDA said the proposed rule is issued under Marketing Order No. 905 regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos grown in Florida. Comments on the proposal must be received by March 4, according to the USDA, and can be sent to the Docket Clerk electronically at MarketingOrderComment@usda.gov or via regulations.gov.
The Citrus Administrative Committee recommended increasing the assessment rate to better align assessment revenue with budgeted expenses, according to the USDA. The committee projects handler receipts of approximately 6.7 million cartons of citrus or equivalent for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which is about 4.76 million cartons more than was handled for the 2022-23 fiscal year, the release said.
There are 14 handlers of Florida citrus who are subject to regulation under the order and approximately 500 citrus producers in the regulated area, the USDA said.
