Resolution 2003-167
RESOLUTION NO. 2003--1..6.]
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY SUPPORTING NO REDUCTION IN THE CURRENT
UNITED STATES TARIFF ON IMPORTED CITRUS PRODUCTS.
ISD
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 product 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 RESOL VED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA that:
Section 1. Collier County supports "no reduction in the current United States tariff on imported
citrus products".
Section 2. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners requests that other County
Commissions support this Resolution and to so notify the Governor and their Legislative and
Congressional Delegations.
Section 3. A copy of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of this meeting and copies
sent to the Governor, the Collier County Legislative and Congressional Delegations, and all other
Florida County Commissions.
Section 4.
This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
DONE AND RESOLVED this 22nd day of April, 2003, in regular session of the Board of County
Commission~, ~S>~~~r County, Florida.
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ATTEST: -~:. .' ., LC_
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER CO Y, RillA
By: