The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) on March 18 responded affirmatively to citrus industry requests for increased marketing allocations for domestic fresh citrus and for limited promotions in some export markets. The FCC is the governing board for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC).
DOMESTIC FRESH CITRUS
The FDOC reported that a request from Florida Citrus Mutual for allocating more of the FDOC budget to fresh citrus aligns with feedback from growers during a Jan. 29 Fresh Citrus Marketing Program Workshop. That workshop, hosted by the FDOC, helped provide information about what is needed for future fresh citrus promotional programs.
Based on those insights, the FCC approved reallocating $184,000 of the current fiscal year’s general revenue budget to support fresh citrus during the current season. The source of the reallocation stems in part from a grove media event that had to be canceled due to the February freeze.
FRESH CITRUS IN EXPORT MARKETS
A letter from Florida Citrus Packers requested that promotion in the export markets of Japan, Korea and Europe be limited in the near-term. The Florida Citrus Packers letter referred to the need to “seek sensible adjustments on behalf of fresh Florida citrus” and maintain minimal presence in these markets while the industry works toward restoring supply through replanting efforts. The letter also requested that the current export programs in Canada should continue without disruption.
The FCC heard from former FCC chairman Dan Richey regarding the recommendation.
The FCC agreed that the FDOC should proceed with pursuing this change while keeping a clear line of communication with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service for future Market Access Program activities in those export markets. FDOC staff will make a recommendation regarding the fresh citrus export markets at the May FCC meeting.
Source: FDOC
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