Polk Times

Reps. Scott Franklin and Debbie Wasserman Schultz have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting Florida's citrus industry. The Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act seeks to update regulations impacting citrus growers in the state. This legislation has the backing of the entire Florida Delegation.

"Outdated standards and needless red tape are standing in the way of Florida citrus’s big comeback," said Rep. Scott Franklin, highlighting challenges faced by local growers due to slow regulatory processes. He emphasized that the proposed changes would allow more domestic products to reach the market without compromising quality.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz noted, "Unless we defeat pests, diseases, and extreme weather, the natural decline in brix levels in mature Florida oranges will continue." She expressed that the bill would provide necessary flexibility for farmers and processors to maintain production without sacrificing quality.

The bill also received support from other members of Congress. Rep. Kat Cammack acknowledged recent hurricanes' impact on growers, while Rep. Kathy Castor underscored the importance of maintaining orange juice standards for consumer assurance.

Rep. Laurel Lee addressed broader challenges such as citrus greening disease and competition from foreign imports: "With the increasing importation of foreign orange juice...we must take decisive action to uphold the integrity and quality of American-made orange juice."

The legislation aims to adjust the brix standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 10.5 percent to 10 percent for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice. This change is intended to reflect current crop conditions affected by environmental factors without altering taste or nutritional value significantly.

In 2022, a petition was filed by industry groups requesting this adjustment from the FDA. The following year saw initial introduction of this act with hearings urging expedited FDA action.

Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, praised Reps. Franklin and Wasserman Schultz for their efforts: "This legislation is a critical step in helping growers continue to meet consumer preference."