Senator Rick Scott
Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) have introduced the Senate version of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which aims to update regulations and support Florida citrus growers by creating friendlier standards. The entire Florida delegation has co-sponsored the House version of the bill.
With Sens. Scott and Moody on board, that means this bipartisan bill has the support of every federal lawmaker from the State of Florida.
According to the lawmakers, the rationale for changing the not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice brix (required level of sugar/solids content) standard wouldn't affect nutrition nor taste, but give growers more flexibility and greater value for their product.
Specifically, this bill would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alter the brix standard (required level of sugar/solids content) in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent to 10 percent. Moreover, Reps. Franklin and Wasserman Schultz's further rationale for changing the standard includes the effects of major hurricanes, greening, and other "adverse factors" that have impacted citrus growers, especially in the State of Florida.
Sen. Scott mentioned that this would help Florida growers and others in the industry who have faced hardships due to various factors affecting their product.
“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," said Sen. Scott. "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.”
Furthermore, Sen. Moody added that this bill would "modernize" the industry for the sake of citrus growers.
“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," said Sen. Moody. "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.”
Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) have led this bill on the House side.
You can find their statement on the bill here: Florida Delegation Unites Around Franklin, Wasserman Schultz to Help Citrus Growers
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