Published on: 10129533. These changes will implement HB 7103. A referendum of citrus growers was held and passed in November 2009 to increase the assessment rate to a maximum of $.03 per box and to establish the Citrus Research and Development Foundation as the research advisory council to the Department. Florida Statute 573 was amended accordingly. A referendum of tobacco growers was held and passed unanimously in May 2009 to increase the assessment rate to a maximum of $1.00 per 100 pounds of tobacco. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation serving as the advisory council recommended commencement of rule making by the Department as may be appropriate to administer the changes.
Published on: 10085689. Recent tobacco and citrus marketing order referendums passed with overwhelming industry support. The proposed rules are being developed to update the assessment and collection procedures of commodity marketing orders. The proposed amendments to Rule 5H-2.003, F.A.C., would permit the Department to adjust or suspend the assessment rates upon recommendation of the commodity advisory council. The proposed amendments also clarifies the rule by removing the assessment amounts language from the rule. The assessment amounts are set by the marketing order and not by Department rule. This rulemaking also proposes to repeal existing Rule 5H-2.004, F.A.C., which has become outdated.