By Jacob Villagomez, Director of Governmental Affairs
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) continues to advocate on behalf of California citrus growers at both the state and federal levels. From market support and trade enforcement to pest prevention, research funding, and regulatory relief, CCM remains focused on protecting grower interests and strengthening the competitiveness of California citrus.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
USDA Market Support
CCM is preparing its 2026–27 Section 32 purchase request. These purchases help stabilize the market during surplus cycles, benefiting growers by reducing inventory and driving prices up. Right now, CCM staff is gathering early-season market information from packing houses for USDA-AMS. A late-season request has been submitted seeking support for late navels, Valencias, and grapefruit.
Citrus Breeding Program Funding
CCM and the Citrus Research Board (CRB) support additional federal funding proposed by the House Appropriations Committee for the California-based citrus breeding program located in Parlier. If approved, the program would receive $2 million annually in federal funding, alongside continued CRB support.
Farm Bill Advocacy
The Farm Bill passed the House. The Bill includes positive provisions for export promotion, research, and the competitiveness of specialty crops. CCM is closely monitoring the Farm Bill’s progress in the Senate and continues to advocate for stronger citrus-specific measures to address production costs, import pressure, and global competition.
TRADE AND MARKET ACCESS HIGHLIGHTS
Section 301 Investigation
CCM, the California Citrus Quality Council, and CRB submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative supporting investigations into foreign policies that distort markets. Our comments include concerns about rising imports of mandarins and lemons. Our recommended remedies include tariff-rate quotas and seasonal volume controls to help prevent import displacement during peak California production periods.
PEST PREVENTION AND REGULATORY HIGHLIGHTS
APHIS Proposals Under Review
We are currently reviewing APHIS’s interstate citrus movement proposals. Proposed changes could allow fruit with attached stems and incidental leaves to move from quarantined areas under standard packinghouse procedures. APHIS is also evaluating a non-fungicide pathway for Sweet Orange Scab, including an organic-compatible option that maintains phytosanitary safeguards.
STATE REGULATORY HIGHLIGHTS
New Citrus IPM Tool Approved
California DPR has approved the registration of Sequoia. This product provides control of Asian citrus psyllid, mealybugs, whiteflies, soft scales, and some thrips activity. CCM staff also continues to advance additional priority tools, including Plinazolin, 2,4-D, PBO, and other key chemistries.
Pest Prevention Program Analysis
We are currently reviewing California’s newly released pest prevention program analysis. The report underscores the value of the state’s prevention-first approach while identifying challenges related to global trade, e-commerce, nursery stock movement, domestic plant movement, urban pest pathways, staffing shortages, and funding constraints.
LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Bills CCM Is Monitoring
- AB 2646 – Would increase the agricultural minimum wage to $19.75 beginning in 2027. CCM is opposed.
- AB 1603 – Would restrict pesticide registrations involving intentionally added PFAS and has been amended to focus on agricultural uses. CCM is opposed.
- AB 2447 – Would’ve expanded regulatory authority over nitrogen use and water quality compliance. CCM opposed this and was held in Assembly Appropriations.
CCM remains committed to:
- Protecting growers from unnecessary cost increases
- Preserving effective pest management tools
- Reducing duplicative regulatory burdens
- Strengthening the long-term competitiveness of California citrus
Stay Engaged
Your support and involvement help strengthen CCM’s advocacy efforts. Please stay informed, participate in member outreach opportunities, and contact CCM staff with questions or concerns about issues affecting your operation. Together, we can continue advancing policies that support California citrus growers.
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