U.S. Senator Ashley Moody reaffirmed her commitment to Florida’s citrus industry, unveiling the “Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act” at Florida’s Natural Visitors Center. Surrounded by farmers and industry leaders, Moody addressed the challenges facing the state’s citrus growers, attributing a significant portion of their struggles to “nonsensical government overregulation.”
“Since my first days in the U.S. Senate, I have been fighting to protect Florida’s farmers. Our citrus growers have faced many challenges – from hurricanes to disease,” said Moody. “These challenges are being exacerbated by nonsensical overreach, and it is about time the federal government started helping our farmers instead of harming them through overregulation.”
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The centerpiece of her initiative, the “Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act,” aims to alleviate regulatory burdens by directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adjust the brix standard for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice. Currently set at 10.5 percent weight of orange juice soluble solids, the legislation proposes lowering it to 10 percent.
Congressman Scott Franklin echoed Moody’s sentiments, highlighting the detrimental impact of outdated standards and bureaucratic red tape.
“Outdated standards and needless red tape are standing in the way of Florida citrus’s big comeback,” Franklin stated. “While slow-moving FDA bureaucrats take years to deliberate a small regulatory adjustment, our growers are losing out on profit to foreign producers and struggling to keep their operations afloat. This simple fix throws them a lifeline, allowing more domestic product to come to market without sacrificing quality for consumers.”
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Industry leaders, like Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, expressed their support for the proposed legislation. “
Senator Moody understands the vital role citrus plays in Florida’s economy, our rural communities and the identity of our state, and her introduction of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act alongside Senator Rick Scott comes at a critical time,” Joyner said. “This legislation is an important, forward-thinking solution to supporting Florida’s citrus industry as it rebuilds from the ongoing impacts of citrus greening and hurricanes.”
According to Moody’s office, the proposed adjustment in the brix standard would not result in a discernible difference in taste or nutritional value for consumers.
However, it would significantly benefit citrus growers who have endured substantial hardships, including recent hurricane damage. The change would allow for greater flexibility in production, enabling growers to bring more of their product to market.
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