Greening Committee Working On Compliance Agreement
Florida Citrus Mutual’s Greening Regulatory Committee met in Lakeland on May 1 to discuss a potential Greening Compliance Agreement and other regulatory efforts regarding the Florida citrus industry’s fight against pests and disease.
Members of the Committee and other growers discussed the possibility of the implementation of preliminary Best Management Practices (BMPs) and a voluntary Greening Compliance Agreement that growers would submit to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The compliance agreements and related business plans would be used by FDACS to compile data on suggested practices to manage and fight citrus greening.
Discussion at the Committee meeting focused on the idea that there would be no penalty for failure to comply with the initial agreement, but that participation would provide educational benefi ts to growers and the industry. The draft document will include examples of BMPs to control Asian Citrus Psyllids that growers may consider in the development of their business plan.
The Committee asked FDACS to compile a revised draft compliance agreement that will be presented at the Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Directors meeting on May 23, at upcoming Regional Association meetings, and other industry meetings for further review and discussion. Growers will also be invited to provide input on the compliance agreement at the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference Educational Session in Bonita Springs on June 7.
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