The U.S. recently signaled to Brazil its intention to exempt some agricultural products from the Free Trade Area of the Americas, according to a recent Reuters article. Florida citrus growers, who have been fighting to preserve the citrus tariff during these negotiations, are pleased that this
new position responds to concerns regarding the trade sensitivity of Florida citrus and applaud the Bush administration's attention to this critical issue for the state of Florida.

This new position promotes competition because of the unique nature of the global citrus market. Orange juice is produced exclusively in Florida and Brazil. Any reduction in the current tariff would devastate the unsubsidized Florida orange juice industry and create a Brazilian monopoly.

In pursuing this new approach, U.S. officials have taken an important step toward completing the FTAA that can benefit Florida, as well as countries throughout Central and South America. Florida citrus growers have been and will continue to be supportive of the efforts to locate the FTAA Secretariat in Miami.

Florida citrus growers are extremely pleased with this new position, which will help ensure the viability of Florida's $9.1 billion signature industry that employs nearly 90,000 people and provides 800,000 acres of green space.

While this is a huge step forward for our efforts, we realize the fight is far from over. Florida's citrus growers will continue to work with U.S. negotiators to address our concerns.

Andrew W. LaVigne is the executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, the state's largest citrus grower organization representing 11,000 growers. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com.