LAKELAND, Fla. – September 15, 2003 – Florida's citrus growers had a strong delegation in Cancun, Mexico for the World Trade Organization Meeting held Sept. 10-14.

"Our goal was to educate attendees about the world orange juice market and why orange juice is a unique commodity, as only two entities - Florida and Brazil - produce nearly 90 percent of the world's orange juice supply," said Andy LaVigne, Florida Citrus Mutual's executive vice president/CEO.

"Therefore, any reduction of the U.S. tariff on imported citrus products would put Florida growers out of business and give Brazil a monopoly on the world's orange juice."

Although the talks collapsed due to other issues, Florida citrus growers were successful in voicing their concern to trade officials and other meeting participants.

"This meeting was very productive for citrus. We were at the table and it is obvious that our voice was heard," LaVigne said. "However, we still have a battle ahead of us as trade negotiations continue."

Florida Citrus Mutual, founded in 1948, is the state's largest citrus grower's organization with more than 11,000 members.