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Mutual Applauds Citrus Growers for Approving Research Order

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

LAKELAND, Fla. (December 10, 2009) – Florida’s largest citrus trade organization said Thursday it applauds growers for making the smart decision to continue funding important disease research.

“This was a tremendous decision by Florida citrus growers as we continue to battle devastating diseases such as greening,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “With a landslide approval of the state research order, it’s clear growers understand the urgency of the situation and that research is the key to the future of our $9 billion industry. The new research structure gives us a real boost as we search for short term and long term greening solutions in the laboratory. This “yes” vote is another sign of this great industry’s resiliency and commitment to doing what it takes to persevere.”

On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) reported that through a statewide referendum Florida citrus growers overwhelmingly supported continuing a state order that funds crucial research. The referendum asked growers if they wanted to tax themselves up to 3 cents per box of citrus to fund research.

According to FDACS, the results of the referendum were as follows:

— Number of growers voting YES: 1,166
— Number of growers voting NO: 363
— Percentage of growers voting YES: 76 percent
— Percentage of growers voting NO: 24 percent
— Acreage represented by YES vote: 363,094
— Acreage represented by NO vote: 53,577
— Percentage of acreage represented by YES vote: 87 percent
— Percentage of acreage represented by NO vote: 13 percent

For the referendum to pass, 51 percent of the voting acreage representing 65 percent of the voting grower entities had to cast a “yes” ballot. Almost twice as many ballots were cast this year compared to the last time the referendum was held.

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 greening and canker appeared in Florida groves. Growers must vote on the research tax every six years.

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.