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Home My WebLink About2003-055RESOLUTION 2003- 055 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORDIA OPPOSING THE REMOVAL OF THE 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 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, the citrus growers of Indian River County 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. F:\Attorney\mef\resos\florida citrus trade tariff.doc t, RESOLUTION 2003- 055 NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners that: 1. Indian River County supports "no reduction in the current U. S. tariff on imported citrus products". 2. Indian River County requests the state legislative and congressional delegations to join in supporting "no reduction in the current tariff on imported citrus products". 3. The Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners is hereby directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to both our local Florida Legislative Delegation members and our local Congressional Delegation members. This Resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Adams and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Ginn , and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Chairman Kenneth R. Macht Aye Vice Chairman Caroline D. Ginn Aye Commissioner Fran B. Adams Aye Commissioner Arthur R. Neuberger Aye Commissioner Thomas S. Lowther Aye The Chairman thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this 13th day of May, 2003. Attest: J. K. Barton, Clerk Deputy Clerk INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA.. Board of County Commissioners;, enneth R. Mac .Chairmbn pro fl -d as to form a ega sufficiency: ian E Fe As istant CountyAttorney Y F:\Attorney\mef\resos\florida citrus trade tariff.doc JEFFREY K. BARTON Clerk to the Board 1840 25th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960-3394 May 14, 2003 flonorableIMIM Dear Representative Telephone: (561) 567-8000 Ext. 432 or 436 As directed, we are forwarding you a copy of Resolution 2003-055 of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County opposing the removal of the tariff on imported citrus products. Very truly yours, JEFFREY K. BARTON, CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT By Patricia M. Ridgely, Deputy PR Enclosure Honorable Stan Mayfield Room 221C, The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Honorable Ralph Poppell Suite 1C, 400 South Street Titusville, FL 32780-7683 Honorable Mike Haridopols 312 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 The Honorable Bill Nelson United States Senator U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Bob Graham United States Senator 2252 Killearn Center Blvd., #300 Tallahassee, FL 32309 The Honorable Dave Weldon U.S. House of Representatives 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, C Melbourne, FL 32940-6605 Honorable Stan Mayfield 1053 20`" Place Vero Beach, FL 32960 Honorable Ken Pruitt 318 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 vernor J b Bush O ce of the overnor PL 0 The Ca ' of 400 So th Monr Street Tallahas , FL 32 9-0001 The Honorable Bill Nelson United States Senator U.S. Courthouse Annex 111 N. Adams Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 The Honorable Mark Foley U. S. House of Representatives County Annex Bldg. 250 NW Country Club Drive Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 The Honorable Dave Weldon U.S. House of Representatives 2347 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 Honorable Ralph Poppell Room 1101, The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Honorable Ken Pruitt Suite 110 2400 SE Midport Road Port St. Lucie, FL 34952-4806 The Honorable Bob Graham United States Senator 524 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mark Foley U. S. House of Representatives 104 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 SENATOR MIKE HARIDOPOLOS FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 26 May 20, 2003 Jeffrey K. Barton Clerk to the Board 1840 25`h' Street Vero Beach, FL 32960 Dear Jeffrey: Thank you for sending me the copy of Resolution 2003-055 of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County opposing the removal of the tariff on imported citrus products. I appreciate your keeping me informed on your priority issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you in the future. Your input is vital to the legislative process. Mike Haridopolos District 26 Tallahassee Office 318 Senate Office Bldg. 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100 Phone (850) 487-5056 RECEIVED MAY 2 7 2003 CLERK TO THE BOARD haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov '7, -/3 r°3 District Office 2955 Pineda Causeway Suite 215 Melbourne, Florida 32940-7307 Phone (321) 752-3131