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RESOLUTION 2003- 055 <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY <br />COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, <br />FLORDIA OPPOSING THE REMOVAL OF THE <br />TARIFF ON IMPORTED CITRUS PRODUCTS. <br />WHEREAS, Florida citrus has been an integral part of the State of Florida since <br />its existence and the preservation of this industry not only affects Florida's citrus <br />growers but many affiliated businesses and local government entities throughout the <br />state; and <br />WHEREAS; Florida and Brazil produce over 90% of all processed orange <br />products in the world and loss of Florida production would result in a monopoly for the <br />Brazilian industry; and <br />WHEREAS, lowering of citrus tariffs does not create the benefits of - "Free <br />Trade" because it neither increases competition, reduces consumer prices, nor results, <br />in increased trade; and <br />WHEREAS, it is a proven fact that the unsubsidized Florida citrus industry <br />employs approximately 90,000 people and has an economic impact to our state of $9.1 <br />billion; and <br />WHEREAS, Florida citrus growers have worked diligently over the years in all <br />international trade negotiations, and now with the World Trade Organization and Free <br />Trade Area of the Americas, to retain the citrus tariff on processed citrus products <br />entering the United States to enable Florida to compete on a level playing field with <br />Brazil; and <br />WHEREAS; it is clearly demonstrated that any material reduction in processed <br />citrus tariff schedules will have a devastating result on the citrus industry as it exists <br />today in Florida with accompanying catastrophic effects upon the 800,000 acres of <br />citrus that provide numerous environmental benefits to the community and state; and <br />WHEREAS, there is nowhere in the world, other than Brazil, where land and <br />climatic conditions permit processed orange juice production in quantities sufficient to <br />compensate for losses in Florida production; and <br />WHEREAS, the citrus growers of Indian River County require few services but <br />provide employment, tax revenue, economic stability, water recharge, aesthetic beauty, <br />and a way of life that has existed for more than one hundred years. <br />F:\Attorney\mef\resos\florida citrus trade tariff.doc <br />