U.S. Reps. Greg Steube and Daniel Webster of Florida have reintroduced legislation to prohibit the importation of fresh citrus fruit from the People’s Republic of China.
Steube introduced the U.S. Citrus Protection Act approximately five years ago, in 2020. Learn more about that introduction of the legislation here. The act was introduced in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) 2020 decision to authorize the importation of five types of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit from China into the continental United States. APHIS determined that pummelo, Nanfeng honey mandarin, ponkan, sweet orange and Satsuma mandarin fruit from China can be safely imported under a systems approach to protect against the introduction of plant pests.
“Florida citrus farmers are a cornerstone of U.S. agriculture,” Steube said. “Every year, the Sunshine State delivers fresh produce and countless byproducts that feed America and the world. Yet, foreign adversaries flood our markets with high-risk, pest-laden citrus imports, threatening the livelihood of American farmers and their families. Grocery stores in America should be stocked with oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and other fruits harvested right here in the United States. My bill prioritizes U.S. growers by banning citrus imports from China, ensuring Florida farmers come first.”
Webster added: “For too long, China has flooded the market with risky imports, threatening American farmers and food security. The U.S. Citrus Protection Act puts American agriculture first and ensures that we are not dependent on foreign adversaries for our food supply.”
Read the U.S. Citrus Protection Act here.
Source: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube
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