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Growers Should Vote “YES” on State Citrus Research Order Referendum

Contact: Andrew Meadows at (863) 682-1111 or (cell)(863) 944-4924
For Immediate Release:

LAKELAND, Fla. (November 16, 2009) – In the next two weeks, Florida citrus growers will decide the fate of the industry’s research effort to defeat HLB/greening disease.

Today the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services mailed ballots to growers across the state as part of the State Citrus Research Order referendum. The referendum asks growers if they want to continue to tax themselves to support citrus research.

“It is very important that growers take part in the process; the industry’s crucial research effort is at stake. HLB is spreading across Florida at a breakneck pace and it’s important we continue the research push to defeat it,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Mutual is strongly encouraging growers to vote ‘yes’ and mail their ballots back in immediately.”

All ballots must be postmarked or date-stamped by December 4, 2009 and received by December 9, 2009 in order to be counted.

In November 1991, Florida citrus growers voted to enact a research order commonly referred to as the “box tax” to help fund research. The assessment has taken on an increased level of importance as diseases such as HLB and canker appeared in Florida groves. Growers must vote on the research tax every six years.

The State Citrus Research Order is endorsed by a number of industry organizations. In addition to Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Citrus Commission, the Highlands County CGA and the Peace River Valley CGA, Gulf CGA and the Indian River Citrus League all support the order. The Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council (FCPRAC) and the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) also back it.

To view a sample ballot and additional information, please go to www.flcitrusmutual.com and follow the link provided on the front page.

The Florida citrus industry creates a $9 billion annual economic impact, employing nearly 76,000 people, and covering more than 560,000 acres. Founded in 1948 and currently representing nearly 8,000 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state’s largest citrus grower organization.