The Citrus Administrative Committee’s (CAC) assessment rate for fresh citrus has been increased to 2.5 cents per 4/5 bushel carton or equivalent of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida. The prior assessment rate was 2 cents.
The assessment increase was announced on April 29, 2026, in the Federal Register as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) rule. The increase was established for the 2024–25 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods.
The CAC administers federal Marketing Order No. 905, which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida. The CAC is comprised of growers of fresh citrus operating within the area of production, as well as a public member.
The CAC on Sept. 23, 2024, unanimously recommended 2024–25 fiscal period expenditures of $119,624 and the new assessment rate of 2.5 cents. The CAC recommended increasing the rate to reduce the burden on its financial reserve, which had been strained during the previous two seasons after unexpected, decreased shipment volumes. Following hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, the CAC on Nov. 14, 2024, reaffirmed its recommendation to help respond to the damage incurred by the hurricanes.
The assessment rate will continue in effect indefinitely until modified, suspended or terminated by the AMS upon recommendation and information submitted by the CAC or other available information. Although this rate will be in effect for an indefinite period, the CAC will continue to meet prior to or during each fiscal period to recommend a budget of expenses and consider recommendations for modification of the assessment rate.
CAC assessments are applied uniformly on all handlers, and some of the costs may be passed on to producers. However, these costs are expected to be offset by the benefits derived by the operations of the marketing order.
See the full Federal Register announcement of the rate increase here.
Source: Federal Register
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