No turning back

California's united opposition to the USDA proposed rule on movement of Florida citrus from canker regions leads to speculation as to what the agency's options are.

Of course, they could proceed as planned, with no changes in the rule. If they proceed, one can speculate they will face litigation from California citrus interests.

Mike Wootton of Sunkist suggests a limited two year trial for a specific geographical region in the U.S. (probably the Northeast).

Obviously, California citrus leaders are worried about the precedent the new rules would have on other citrus suppliers seeking access to the U.S.

From their release:

"The industry submits that this proposal will lead to increased pressures from off shore producers who will seek the same relaxed standards thereby adding to admitted uncertainties by the Department."

Meanwhile, Florida growers can argue that the safeguards in place are already significant, as they are precluded from shipping to citrus producing states. Why is California concerned about tangerines being shipped to Chicago, New York and Boston, they ask. They believe science supports the shipment of treated and symptomless fruit to all U.S. states, including California, Arizona and Texas.

In the end, California citrus leaders don't want a sense of finality with the rule. It is not so much Florida's season of 2007-08 they are concerned about, but outlying years when Argentina and other countries want the same treatment Florida receives.

With little time to weigh options and to devise the parameters of a trial program, it seems the most likely scenario is that the agency will proceed as planned. Buckle your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy ride.