Feds Considering Orange Juice Marketing Program

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) - The state's Department of Citrus proposal to set up a federal orange juice marketing program has come under scrutiny.

The triple whammy of higher imports, smaller crops and the continuing decline in orange juice sales led the citrus commissioners to consider creating a federal OJ marketing program that would tax imports at the same rates Florida growers pay.

The Citrus Department hasn't taxed imported orange juice for marketing purposes since 2003 when it settled a lawsuit brought by five major importers arguing the constitution gives the federal government the sole power to levy import duties.

But USDA rules do not permit marketing the state or region of origin, a major stumbling block for citrus officials.

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