Comment from Stuart I. Arost, Winter Park, FL

The ruling on Florida citrus shipments to citrus producing states has been announced and I am concerned. Tangerines out of Florida are the least susceptible varieties and are most certainly the largest varieties impacted as to fresh shipments into other citrus producing states. Many areas in Florida have been found to be canker free, not to mention the number of individual groves with no canker finds around them. The financial impact will be great. Taking away any markets in a highly competitive industry and a perishable industry is never good. Forcing fruit into saturated markets again and again will not help the growers in the state of Florida. My hope is that tests will show that the tangerine crops can and will move into all markets sooner than later. The possibility of vetting a new ruling on variety specifics would be considered. Looking at a honey tangerine, with only a finding of one leaf is not an epidemic and the growers in Florida should no be punished for the other varieties that have the greater issues. This is a matter of great importance, time is critical. Stuart Arost President Emerald Packing Company