Citrus Committee Focuses On Import Tax Issue
A committee of citrus leaders recently said they would not recommend dismantling the Florida Department of Citrus and turn over marketing and research to a federal agency unless the move would result in processors being charged a tax on all imported fruit. Juice importers haven't paid a state tax — which go toward FDOC’s marketing programs — since 2003.
Meeting in Lakeland, the Federal Program Exploratory Committee said a recommendation for the Citrus Commission and the industry would come in three to four months. It plans to meet again by the middle of March when USDA officials have been invited to discuss the feasibility of a federal marketing agency for citrus juices. Representatives of federal marketing agencies for blueberries and peanuts are also invited.
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