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LAKE WALES, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is fighting for Florida citrus growers and orange juice producers. Today, surrounded by industry leaders, Senator Moody applauded a new proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration rule that would modernize the minimum required Brix level in orange juice. The proposed rule mirrors legislation Senator Moody introduced in April called the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act. The FDA’s proposed rule better reflects the natural Brix level of American oranges and could save orange juice manufacturers more than $50 million per year. This action would revitalize
domestic production, prevent reliance on importing foreign citrus and encourage the industry to rebound following hurricane and greening hardships.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “Our state is world famous for our Fresh-From-Florida orange juice, but that recognition is in jeopardy because of bureaucratic red tape harming our growers and producers. In April, I took this fight head on, met with citrus industry leaders and brought their concerns directly to President Trump. He listened, and I am grateful to the FDA and Commissioner Makary for taking action to help Florida’s citrus industry. I would also like to thank Secretary Rollins and
Secretary Kennedy for their work. Today, I joined our growers to applaud President Trump and his administration for supporting our efforts to modernize standards, revitalize the industry, and support domestic orange juice
production.”
Florida’s Natural Growers Chief Executive Officer Chris Groom said, “As a farmer-owned cooperative
for more than 90 years, we appreciate Senator Moody’s shared commitment to the Florida citrus industry. Her efforts to modernize standards will help Florida farmers navigate today’s agricultural realities and ensure our state’s citrus
heritage for generations to come.”
The joint agency proposed rule modernizes the Brix level in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%, better reflecting the natural Brix level of American oranges. The Brix level is a measure of dissolved sugar content. This change would not make
a discernible difference in taste nor nutritional value. The change would however make a difference for citrus growers who have dealt with major hardships such as hurricanes in the past few years.
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