Citrus Growers Ask USDA To Buy Surplus
Florida growers have asked USDA to buy 5 million gallons of grapefruit juice. A USDA official told reporters Tuesday the request is under consideration and an economic analysis is being conducted to determine whether the buy is appropriate. Indian River Citrus League’s Doug Bournique and Nat Roberts had approached Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns with the request at a recent meeting. Bournique said he was hopeful that an announcement would be made in the next two weeks.
The surplus was created when more fruit than usual was processed into juice because of the federal ban on shipping fresh fruit to other citrus-producing states.
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