The Trump administration says cutting citrus regulations will boost U.S. orange juice production.
Agriculture Secretary Rollins and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced the move together. They’re updating the standard of identity — or SOI — to allow millions more American oranges into production. That means less dependence on imports, especially from Brazil.
“Nearly 2/3 of your breakfast orange juice in the U.S. is imported from foreign countries,” Rollins posted on X. “That ends NOW — we are bringing back domestic production of OJ stronger than ever before!”
Makary echoed the point in a Friday press release. “For years, we’ve been wasting beautiful American oranges simply due to an outdated regulation, while relying on a high volume of imports. Under President Trump’s America First Administration, we’re cutting red tape, helping American farmers, and using common sense to reform a broken system. And orange juice will still taste just as good.”
In a video on X, Rollins said President Donald Trump told her to unleash America’s citrus farmers.
Makary explained that Florida oranges’ natural sugar has dropped slightly. A decades-old rule has been blocking their use. “Millions of Florida oranges cannot be used for orange juice,” he said.
“This is the beginning of America’s return to domestic orange dominance,” Rollins added.
Rollins has worked closely with the Department of Health and Human Services since taking office. Her focus is helping farmers while supporting the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised her for focusing on food quality, not just quantity, unlike previous agriculture secretaries.
In line with MAHA, Rollins has approved waivers from 12 states to limit food stamps to healthier choices. The restrictions often block sugary drinks and candy from SNAP purchases.