Florida Citrus Growers Get More Time to Vote on Marketing Rules
Published Date: 11/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Florida citrus growers who produce oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or pummelos now have extra time to vote on whether to keep the current marketing rules in place. The voting deadline has been extended from November 9 to December 1, 2026, giving producers more time to make their voices heard. This decision affects fresh citrus producers and helps shape how their fruit is handled and marketed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Two‑Thirds Threshold Could End the Order
USDA would consider terminating the marketing order if less than two-thirds of the producers voting in the referendum, and less than two-thirds of the citrus volume represented in the referendum, vote in favor of continuance. USDA will also consider other relevant information about the Order when deciding whether to continue it.
Voting Period Extended to December 1, 2026
If you are a Florida fresh citrus producer, the referendum voting period has been extended so ballots may be cast through December 1, 2026. The voting period began October 19, 2026 and was originally set to close November 9, 2026 before being extended.
Who Is Eligible to Vote
Only current Florida citrus producers who produced oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or pummelos for the fresh market during August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026 may vote in this referendum. The document estimates about 200 citrus producers would be casting ballots.
Ballots Must Show Proof-of-Delivery by Deadline
Ballots delivered to USDA via U.S. mail or electronic ballot must show proof of delivery by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 1, 2026 to be included in the vote tabulation.
USDA Will Mail and Accept Ballots Through Dec 1
USDA will continue to mail ballots to eligible voters who request them and will send ballots and voting instructions by mail or electronic mail. All ballots received from October 19 through December 1, 2026 will be accepted, and voters who already submitted a ballot do not need to take further action.
Referenda Occur Every Six Years
Under the rule cited (Sec. 905.83(c)), USDA must conduct a continuance referendum every six years for this marketing order. This gives producers a recurring opportunity to vote on whether the Order should continue.
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Department and Agencies
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