SECTION 6

 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Summary

 Methyl bromide is an important chemical which is used as a soil fumigant for many of

Florida's commercial vegetables. Methyl bromide is also used as a post harvest fumigant for

fresh citrus grown in Florida. The states of California, Arizona, Texas and Hawaii will not

accept shipments of Florida fresh citrus unless it is first fumigated with methyl bromide to

eliminate the risk of fruit flies being shipped into their producing areas. The fruit and vegetable

crops which have been identified as having the most potential for being impacted by a methyl

bromide ban are tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, strawberries and

watermelons. Florida is a major supplier of these products in the winter market, and a methyl

bromide ban would adversely affect the competitive position of Florida in the market for these

commodities. Excluding citrus, the land allocated to these crops exceeded 130,000 acres and

produced a shipping point value of over $1 billion dollars for Florida agriculture. Fresh citrus

sales contribute another $600 million in shipping point value.

 The analysis conducted in this project first involved consultation with horticultural

scientists and commodity specialists familiar with the crops. The prevalent production practices

for these crops and the role methyl bromide plays was outlined. Alternatives to methyl bromide

were presented. The production system which is the likely replacement was identified. The

alternatives considered for the vegetables and fruit included chemical and non-chemical

alternatives. No alternative was outlined for fresh citrus shipments, and it was assumed that a