TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida citrus growers continue to face struggles, with some making the tough decision to sell orange gloves.
Sen. Ashley Moody introduced what lawmakers call the “domestic orange juice production law.”
Beryl, Helen and Milton retired from the list of hurricane names
The bill instructs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower the level of sugar/solids content (BRIX standard) required to 10.5% to 10% of unconcentrated pasteurized orange juice.
Moody says that this change will not make an identifiable difference in the taste or nutritional value of orange juice, but it will make a difference for citrus growers who are struggling with their livelihoods.
“Sunshine State is world-renowned for our fresh Florida orange juice, and many people in our state rely on the industry being protected for their livelihoods,” she said in a news release. “The law will modernize standards for protecting citrus growers who have dealt with many challenges over the past few years.”
Due to current regulations, 10.5% of BRIX substandard oranges are not used in unconcentrated pasteurized orange juice. Crops that do not meet these criteria should be used for other products sold at lower speeds.
A press release from Rep. Scott Franklin’s office said changing requirements would better reflect the natural composition of today’s crops, which are affected by hurricane season, citrus greening disease and other factors.
It will also help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign fruits, said the House’s major efforts, and the lawmaker who introduced similar laws in 2023.
“Our growers are struggling to make their businesses stand out because they’re losing profits to foreign producers,” Franklin said. “This simple fix will throw a lifeline at us and allow more domestic products to be put on the market without sacrificing consumer quality.”
Disasters like Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Irma in 2017, a back-to-back hurricane in both 2022 and last year, have contributed to a 90% decline in orange production over the past 20 years, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Once more than 800,000 acres of Florida Orange Gloves have dropped to less than 300,000 acres, with many sites now being replaced by homes. Alico Inc., one of Florida’s biggest growers, announced earlier this year that it plans to abolish its citrus operations and another major grower group, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association, closed last year.
“From the fight against citrus greening to the devastating effects of consecutive hurricanes, our industry faces major challenges,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “By aligning Brix’s standard with the natural sugar found in today’s citrus crops, Florida’s citrus industry can support consumer demand, compete in Florida’s orange juice in the market, strengthen domestic supply, and reduce dependence on foreign imports.”
