In particular, the opening of the Japanese fresh citrus market has resulted in large increases

of shipments of fresh white seedless grapefruit to Japan. In Table 4.15, production and

utilization of pink seedless grapefruit production is shown. The primary market outlet for pink

seedless grapefruit has always been the fresh market. Production of pink seedless grapefruit in

Florida has expanded rapidly over the past decade. By the 1991-92 season, pink seedless

grapefruit has overtaken white seedless grapefruit as the most important grapefruit variety

produced in Florida.

 While the percentage of fresh citrus marketing from Florida that has been fumigated has

historically been small, the major impact of a methyl bromide ban on the Florida citrus industry

is that no viable alternative exists as a post harvest control for fruit fly. Thus, a ban on methyl

bromide is likely to result in the loss of markets in other citrus producing states, namely

California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Texas.

 It is important to note that the export market for fresh Florida citrus will not be affected

 by a methyl bromide ban. Both European and Asian markets have refused to accept fruit which

 has been fumigated with methyl bromide. Therefore no methyl bromide treated product has

 been shipped to those markets in recent years.

 As methyl bromide is used only in the post harvest fumigation of citrus destined for the

 fresh market, a ban of methly bromide would have no direct effect on the processed citrus

 industry. It is possible, however, that with no alternative available to fumigate fruit destined

 for other citrus producing states, a ban of methyl bromide might result in an increase of

 processed utilization at the expense of fresh market utilization.