U.S. Representative Greg Steube Reintroduces Legislation to Protect U.S. Citrus, Prohibit Chinese Citrus Imports
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today reintroduced The U.S. Citrus Protection Act, to prohibit the importation of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit originating from the People’s Republic of China.
“Floridians annually produce millions of cartons of citrus fruits, millions of gallons of citrus juices, and hundreds of thousands of citrus byproducts, right here in the USA. It’s unacceptable that we allow our adversary to import high pest-risk citrus, to the detriment of U.S. producers,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “My bill puts America’s farmers, growers, and producers first by banning the importation of Chinese citrus.”
Florida has 47,300 farm operations across the state and is ranked first in the U.S. in total cash receipts for citrus crops. Florida’s citrus growers support $1.72 billion in sales revenue and over 16,000 jobs throughout the state’s economy.
