Overview
The Florida citrus industry is at a challenging point in its history. Citrus greening and canker, immigration reform, falling OJ consumption and foreign juice dumping are just a few of the serious issues facing the Florida citrus grower.
So it is more important than ever to have a strong voice as these and other issues are debated at the local, state and federal level. Florida Citrus Mutual provides that unified voice.
Formed in 1948, Mutual has served the Florida citrus grower for more than 60 years. Led by a board of 21 member-elected directors, Mutual is the largest cooperative association dedicated to helping Florida citrus growers produce and market their crops at a profit. We’re looking out for the best interest of the growers every day, whether it is in the halls of Congress or the groves of Florida’s citrus belt.
In the past three seasons, Florida Citrus Mutual has been instrumental in securing nearly $1 Billion in assistance for Florida growers. We’ve also successfully lobbied for millions in research funding and protected growers from international trade threats.
But there’s more. Mutual members receive a wealth of inside information about their industry that they can’t obtain anywhere else through a number of proprietary publications and our website – www.flcitrusmutual.com. And our professional staff is second to none.
Please take a moment to glance through our website which gives a glimpse of what Florida Citrus Mutual does each day, and what we can offer you as a member of Florida’s premier citrus organization.
Do not hesitate to contact Mutual with any questions or concerns at (863) 682-1111 or info@flcitrusmutual.com.
Below is a brief rundown of Mutual’s various divisions.
Communications
- Florida Citrus Mutual communicates industry information to members through the organization’s website – www.flcitrusmutual.com – the biweekly Triangle newsletter, e-mail blasts and publications including the Grower Book, Buyers Guide and FCM Annual Report.
- Media relations professionals serve as a liaison between Florida citrus growers and the media on issues such as immigration reform, disease research and lobbying efforts.
- Outreach efforts through press releases, media events and grassroots strategies provide growers with a clear voice with the media, policymakers and the public at-large.
- Staff represents Florida citrus growers on various committees and organizations such as Ag in the Classroom, U.S. Citrus Council and the National Council of Agriculture Employers.
Ecomonics & Market Info
- Staff gathers accurate, up-to-date pricing and market data on a daily basis, giving members reliable information to market their fruit profitably.
- Florida Citrus Mutual publishes regular reports on fruit movement, pack and inventories, price trends and fruit yields.
- In-depth economic and market information is provided to members via the Market News Bulletin, Citrus Summary, email, fax, Triangle articles, and on the Mutual website.
Grower Affairs
- Field representatives with unparalleled knowledge of the industry are available to assist members with issues regarding production, labor, regulation, pests and disease as well as any other challenges pertaining to their business.
- Staff works with the three water management districts and other local, state and federal regulators in order to protect citrus growers’ interests.
- Florida Citrus Mutual hosts annual Area Meetings as well as the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, offering growers opportunities to come together for education and fellowship. The meetings also provide growers with a forum to express their concerns regarding matters affecting their business.
Legislative Affairs
- Monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory agencies including the U.S. Department of Labor, FDACS, the USDA and the EPA to ensure grower interests are properly represented.
- Experienced government relations professionals advocate on behalf of Florida citrus growers in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. through strong relationships with legislators and senior staff.
- Political Action Committees (PACs) funded by Mutual members support federal and state candidates who recognize the interests of Florida citrus growers.
- Helping shape reform of the nation’s H-2A guest worker program so it serves the needs of Florida citrus growers.
- Educates policymakers on the importance of the tariff on Brazilian imports and monitors dumping activities by foreign processors. Each year, the tariff increases revenues to Florida’s citrus growers by the equivalent of an estimated $1.10 – $1.30 per box.
