December 9, 2009
Florida Citrus Producers Approve Research Order In Referendum
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the Florida citrus industry has overwhelmingly voted to continue funding a self-imposed tax to conduct important research for another six years. Consensus was reached through a statewide referendum that concluded today.
The citrus research order continuation was also amended to increase the industry’s self-imposed tax to a maximum of 3 cents per box, and to establish the Citrus Research and Development Foundation as the research advisory council to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department circulated ballots in late November to citrus producers statewide.
“The response was unprecedented,” Bronson said. “Almost twice as many growers participated in this vote than in 2004. I believe this clearly demonstrates the industry’s concern and commitment to combating citrus diseases.”
Under Chapter 573, Florida Statutes, a referendum must win approval of 65 percent of those voting, and represent 51 percent of the voting acreage. The actual results markedly surpassed the requirements.
Since 1992, the box tax has generated more than $25 million for research aimed at eradicating citrus pests and diseases, and improving varieties and management practices.
The results of the referendum are 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 |
