Florida's grapefruit juice processors have a glut of juice, and once again the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to buy up to 4 million gallons for its food and nutrition programs.
Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner on Thursday announced the planned purchase of 34 million pounds of Florida grapefruit juice, which is equivalent to 4 million gallons.
The government bought the same amount of grapefruit juice last season.
Doug Bournique, executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League in Vero Beach, said the league had lobbied for the purchase, which he said would firm up the market.
"When you take that much out of circulation, it helps," Bournique said. "As canker is spreading throughout the state, for more of our growers their only option is to put the fruit into processed channels."