Dropped EU citrus canker rules could increase Florida's exports by 25%
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have worked with EU officials over the last 10 years to ensure that the EU’s plant health requirements for citrus are based on scientifically-established risks, according to a joint statement May 3 by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Acting U.S. Trade Representative Stephen Vaughn.
With the change, grove surveys are no longer required, saving U.S. producers an estimated $5.6 million dollars per year.
“At USDA, everything we do is grounded in sound science, so it is good to see that the EU has seen that our disease management program protects our citrus products,” Secretary Perdue said. “When we rely on science, it levels the playing field for everyone. And when the playing field is level, American agriculture will win.”
Florida producers grow 25,000 acres of grapefruit, of which 70 percent is intended for shipment to the EU market, according to industry estimates. Industry experts estimate that citrus exports will increase by 25 percent, or about $15 million, during the first year.
source: southeastfarmpress, protectingyourpocket
