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Florida is an important producer and exporter of agricultural products. In
2007, Florida's cash farm receipts totaled $7.6 billion. Florida ranked 16th
among all 50 States in 2007 in the value of its agricultural exports, estimated
at $1.9 billion. Florida ranks third in overall fruit exports. Agricultural
exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting about 20,250
jobs both on and off the farm in food processing, storage, and transportation.
Exports remain vital to Florida’s
agricultural and statewide economy. The State's reliance on agricultural exports
was 25 percent in 2007.
Florida's top agricultural exports in 2007 were:
- fruits and preparations -- $730 million
- vegetables and preparations -- $179 million
- feed and fodders -- $48 million
- live animals and meat -- $43 million
World demand for these products is increasing, but so is competition among
suppliers. If Florida's farmers, ranchers, and food processors are to compete
successfully for the export opportunities of the 21st century, they need fair
trade and more open access to growing global markets.
How Trade Agreements Benefit Florida
Under the U.S. – Australian FTA, Australia’s 5-percent tariff would be
eliminated on a number of fruit and nut products, including almonds, grapes,
raisins, dried apricots, dried apples, dried plums, citrus juices, cranberry
juice, fruit jams and jellies, and frozen strawberries. Australia has also
committed to addressing outstanding phytosanitary issues, including those for
apples, Florida citrus, and stone fruits. From 2001 to 2003, U.S. suppliers
annually shipped on average $50 million worth of fruit and nut products to
Australia. Under the U.S. – Australian FTA, Australia has also agreed to
immediately eliminate a 5-percent duty on U.S. vegetable exports. From 2001
through 2003, U.S. suppliers annually shipped on average $21.5 million worth of
vegetable and vegetable products to Australia.
Under the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR),
Florida’s meat industry will benefit. U.S. prime and choice cuts of beef gain
preferential access as applied tariffs of 15 to 30 percent are immediately
eliminated (except the Dominican Republic) while those applied to other cuts are
phased-out over 15 years. Tariffs on beef offal and other beef products are
phased out over 5 to 10 years. As part of the agreement, all six countries are
working toward the recognition of the U.S. meat inspection and certification
systems, which would replace the existing policy of plant-by-plant inspections
and approval. From 2001 through 2003, U.S. suppliers annually shipped on average
4,094 metric tons valued at $9.8 million to all six countries combined.
Export Success Stories
Increased support from USDA's market development program funds helped
Florida's worldwide grapefruit exports increase up by 16 percent in 2003-2004,
including record-breaking exports to Japan, their largest market.
Florida’s grapefruit shipments to Japan totaled a record more than 12.1 million
cartons for the 2003-2004-season, an increase of almost 20 percent over
2002-2003. In addition, Florida's grapefruit exports to Canada, increased over
eight percent, and shipments to Europe increased over 11 percent, the highest
volume in the past five years.
Korean Thoroughbred trade missions have resulted in Florida horse sales.
After establishing contacts in Korea through a trade mission, the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a Thoroughbred
reverse-trade mission, which led to the sale of 66 horses for a total of
$919,000 in April 2004. Additional sales of Florida Thoroughbreds to Korean
contacts have totaled $118,500. The Korean contacts established through
Florida’s trade missions have also purchased more than $320,000 in Thoroughbreds
from other U.S. Livestock Genetics Export members, such as Maryland and
Kentucky.