HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 180-2003
Mayor Dixie Spehar
RESOLUTION NO. 180
- 2003
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNlY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNlY, FLORIDA SUPPORTING "NO REDUCTION IN THE
CURRENT UNITED ST ATES TARIFF ON IMPORTED CITRUS PRODUCTS."
WHEREAS, Florida citrus has been an integral part of the State of Florida since its
existence, and the preservation of this industry not only affects Florida's citrus growers, but many
affiliated businesses and local government entities throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, Florida and Brazil produce over 90% of all processed orange products in the
world and loss of Florida production would result in a monopoly for the Brazilian citrus industry;
and
WHEREAS, lowering of citrus tariffs does not create the benefits of -Free Trade" because
it neither increases competition, reduces consumer prices, nor results in increased trade; and
WHEREAS, it is a proven fact that the unsubsidized Florida citrus industry employs
approximately 90,000 people and has an economic impact to our state of $9.1 billion; and
WHEREAS, Florida citrus growers have worked diligently over the years in all international
trade negotiations, and now with the World Trade Organization and Free Trade Area of the
Americas to retain the citrus tariff on processed citrus products entering the United States to
enable Florida to compete on a level playing field with Brazil; and
WHEREAS, it is clearly demonstrated that any material reduction in processed citrus tariff
schedules will have a devastating result on the citrus industry as it exists today in Florida with
accompanying catastrophic effects upon the 800,000 acres of citrus that provide numerous
environmental benefits to the community and state; and
WHEREAS, there is nowhere in the world, other than Brazil, where land and climatic
conditions permit processed orange juice production in quantities sufficient to compensate for
losses in Florida production; and
WHEREAS, Florida citrus growers require few services but provide employment, tax
revenue, economic stability, water recharge, aesthetic beauty, and a way of life that has existed
for more than one hundred years; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Monroe County supports -no reduction in the current United States tariff on
imported citrus products."
Section 2. The Clerk of the Court is hereby requested to forward certified copies of
this Resolution to the Governor and Congressional delegations.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 21st day of May, 2003.
Mayor Spehar
Mayor Pro T em Nelson
Commissioner McCoy
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
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By
Mayor/Chairperson
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