The String Is Out For Florida Citrus [Opinion]
March 22, 2016 
Writing new, intriguing headlines about recurring subject matter takes skill. Never more have my editorial chops been put to the test than in trying to compose compelling verbiage to describe what has been happening to the Florida citrus crop over the last few years. There’s been no sugar-coating the situation.
In fact, out of the last 15 headlines I’ve written on this topic, only twice was there nary a mention of a drop or no change in estimates. The second occurrence happened less than two weeks ago.
Given the sector’s heavy circumstances, it’s no wonder major stakeholders are seeking to make drastic changes within the industry to help save what is left.
Trim Where You Can
Just last month, news broke about a letter written on behalf of and signed by the state’s 12 largest citrus growers, packers, and processors. It was delivered to Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt Jr. and featured a proposal to slash the operating budget of the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) by more than 75%.
In addition to the first bombshell, contents of the letter also included a recommendation to cut grower assessments by roughly 70% to 7 cents per box for processed oranges as well as grapefruit and specialty fresh citrus.
An excerpt from the letter reads as follows: “Because of the dramatic crop declines, we believe the department does not have adequate resources to ‘move the needle.’ And, with the current supply/demand situation, we do not believe the current marketing programs are generating an economic return for Florida growers.”
The words are a punch in the gut for the association that has been “Working For You” for more than 80 years. So, what would this mean for the FDOC if demands are met? Heads would roll. Lots of them. Current head count at FDOC is 43. The proposal is seeking a streamlined agency of 10!
Science Supported
The importance of continued research and development was not lost in the letter’s overall message. Support was re-emphasized for the 3-cent box tax dedicated to fieldwork directed by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, which recently received landslide support (87%+) via grower referendum.
It’s obvious that priority No. 1 among producers is a solution to HLB. Everything else can wait. The question is, how much longer can we wait?
Future headlines will tell.
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