Add 30 days

There appears to be little doubt that citrus leaders in California, Texas and Arizona will ask for another 30 days to examine the USDA rule on Florida fresh citrus shipments from growing areas known to have citrus canker. Right now the deadline for comments is July 23. I have a call into APHIS, and one my questions will be whether such an extension will be considered. Given the fact that the USDA must respond to the highly technical comments in the rulemaking process, it calls into question whether the agency can issue the final or interim final rule in time for the start of Florida's season.

"It looks to be a lessening of protection, and we want to have that evaluated," one citrus leader told me.

TK: There have to be some rules in place this fall for Florida citrus. No matter how technical the science, or how faulty the conclusions, something has to be in place by this fall. Pushing the deadline to Aug. 23 may be impossible for the USDA.