Citrus growers in Florida are celebrating this week's news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from U.S. farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. The purchase is for $15 million in fresh oranges; $10 million for grapefruit; and $5 million for mandarins.
© Florida Citrus Mutual
"We are extremely appreciative of USDA's support in this regard. It's been a slow start to the season. We're having a really positive weather year–tree health, fruit quality, no hurricanes, everything is really good this year," says Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, noting that it's been working with the USDA for several months on this request. The association represents more than 1,500 grower members in Florida.
However following good growing conditions producing good crops, movement has been slow thanks in part to imports. "A lot of that is with regards to the announcement, and then the pause, on tariffs on South Africa. We saw a tremendous amount of fruit come into the market in advance of those reciprocal tariffs going in place in August," says Joyner, adding that the industry has not seen the kind of movement it would typically see in the October-November timeframe. "It was really late in the South African season but right in the beginning of ours and it really jammed things up for the early part of the season. This purchase will help with those market dynamics in moving some fruit through the system and providing an outlet for our growers."
Prior support in purchasing
He notes that to some extent, the USDA does purchase domestic citrus annually. Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 indicates that the USDA has the authority to purchase commodities from U.S. farmers and producers and distribute product to food banks and nutrition assistance programs. While it's not a guaranteed purchase, market conditions are monitored and industry does make requests that are accommodated when needed.
© Florida Citrus Mutual
For instance, last year citrus growers in the state were challenged by Hurricanes Helene, but more so, Milton. "We saw about this level of purchasing on grapefruit post Hurricane Milton. Because of the storm, we had to get fruit off the tree earlier than we might so that we didn't lose fruit as a result of stress trees. USDA came in and helped us then so from a volume or pricing perspective, it's a pretty typical level of support," says Joyner.
Now, there's hope this announcement will put some wind in the sales of its growers, says Joyner. "Things were pretty sluggish out of the gate so this will be helpful in getting us back on track and see what we hope to be a really good citrus season this year," he adds.
For more information:
Leigh McGowan
Florida Citrus Mutual
Tel: +1 (334) 618-7117
https://www.flcitrusmutual.com/
