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9 III, NAFTA 



U%t Unfair Maxisan Pas! 



GULF CITRUS GROWERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 

 NAFTA Statement 



September 20, 1993 



Since the debate on fast track authorization through the present, Gulf Cirrus 

 has maintained that the United States should pursue negotiation of the North 

 American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in an effort to advance the national 

 interest. The agreement should promote the well being of the country, encourage 

 expansion and investment and create jobs. At the very least, it should not destroy 

 investment, jobs and vibrant existing economic activity. However, the agreement as 

 currently proposed does just that to the Florida citrus industry, especially in the Gulf 

 Cirrus Growers' region. As presently negotiating, NAFTA does not permit the 

 critically impacted Florida citrus industry to make adequate adjustments and prevent 

 wholesale loss of investment. 



The Gulf Cirrus growing region consists of 5 southwest Florida counties and is 

 the newest and fastest expanding citrus growing region in Florida. Following several 

 devastating freezes during the 1980's, the Florida citrus industry shifted southward to 

 what is now the newest of Florida's three official growing regions. These plantings 

 are primarily oranges for processing into juice. Planting in this region has been 

 steady over the past 5 years in an effort to maintain — and expand — this critical 

 Florida agri-industry. Since 1987, cirrus acreage in the Gulf Cirrus region has 

 increased from 65,000 to almost 160,000 acres. This represents a $1.5 billion 

 investment. Planted acreage has increased 26% since 1990 and tree numbers have 

 increased by 32% for the same period, making Gulf Citrus the fastest growing citrus 

 production area in the state. 



This growth in southwest Florida is greatly enhancing the economic outlook 

 and projections for this area. For example, in Hendry County, now the state's second 

 largest citrus producing county, nearly one-half of the country's average monthly 

 employment is related to citrus. As production increases, new jobs will increase 

 dramatically. In addition, citrus production contributes significantly to the area tax 

 base. Within five years, as young trees come into production, there will be a 

 property value assessment increase of over $125 million across the five county area. 

 These additional dollars are critical to infrastructure and local government services. 



