Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody have introduced a new bill designed to support American orange juice producers by altering the mandated sugar levels for pasteurized orange juice. The proposed Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act would amend the current federal standard from a 10.5% brix level to 10%.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of preserving the quality of Florida's orange juice. "Floridians and orange juice aficionados alike love the fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice that our state is known for and our citrus growers work hard to produce. Our bill, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, will support domestic growers who have faced severe hardship over the past years and ensure federal regulations aren’t working against their success, while preserving the quality of our orange juice for American families to enjoy.”

Senator Ashley Moody highlighted the significance of the orange juice industry for Florida's economy and the livelihoods dependent on it. She stated, “The Sunshine State is world famous for our fresh-from-Florida orange juice and many folks in our state depend on this industry being protected for their livelihoods. This legislation would modernize standards to protect citrus growers who have dealt with many hardships over the past several years. I am proud to stand with our great Florida citrus growers and support their hard work that benefits families across our nation.”

Congressman Scott Franklin, supporting the initiative, addressed the current challenges faced by growers due to regulatory delays and outdated standards. He said, “Outdated standards and needless red tape are standing in the way of Florida citrus’s big comeback. 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. Helping Florida’s flagship crop is a bipartisan issue, and I’m grateful to my Florida colleagues for joining me to update this harmful regulation.”

These legislative efforts aim to provide timely assistance to Florida's citrus industry, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability.