http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/1122119.html

Citrus growers may get approval to ship out fruit

Agriculture officials are ready to allow Florida citrus to be shipped for fresh fruit use anywhere, effectively reopening markets blocked for the past three years after canker spread throughout the state's citrus industry.

Florida citrus growers have not been permitted to ship fresh fruit to California and other citrus-producing states and territories since 2006. Now, the USDA has reversed its stance in a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on Tuesday.

There is a 60-day comment period, and the USDA could revise the rule after that.

Florida is the only state known to have citrus canker, a disease that can cause lesions on fruit. An end to the required federal inspections could save $9 million, the USDA said.