USDA revises Florida citrus requirements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a final rule that revises marketing order grade and size requirements for Florida citrus.

19ECA66B-6FC7-4B71-963483AE7D9D4F92.png
19ECA66B-6FC7-4B71-963483AE7D9D4F92.png
(File photo)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a final rule that revises marketing order grade and size requirements for Florida citrus.

The regulation, effective May 20, removes grade and size requirements for ambersweet and temple oranges, and simplifies the tables outlining the grade and size requirements for interstate and export shipments, according to the USDA.

“Removing the size requirements for ambersweet and temple oranges will help maximize shipments of these varieties impacted by declining production,” according to the regulation.

Florida citrus industry leaders elected not to relax the minimum grade requirements for other oranges and tangerines, according to the USDA.

Related articles:

Fight against HLB continues

Big increase in Florida citrus volume

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
The organization says this import program complements domestic citrus production and maintains category continuity throughout the season.
The request allocates $10 billion to row and specialty crop producers for crops planted in 2026, with the remaining $1.1 billion designated for Florida farmers hit by winter storms in late 2025 and early 2026.
Following a record-breaking $3.8 billion year in retail sales, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is looking to a pivotal July USDA referendum to sustain its massive market momentum and combat rising industry pressures.
Read Next
Grounded in a millennia-old legacy of Indigenous stewardship and unique regional pride, Maine’s native lowbush barrens face a turning point as local growers battle climate whiplash and infrastructure shortages to ensure this irreplaceable crop remains a thriving, working landscape.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App