USDA has reopened the Chinese market for California citrus allowing farmers to resume exports to the country this season.

“Resuming trade before the start of the 2014 citrus shipping season is the result of a lot of effort by a number of USDA employees, who worked very closely with their foreign counterparts to resolve China's concerns,” Vilsack said. “Their extra effort means California citrus growers can once again ship to this important market.”

According to USDA, California citrus exports are valued at $30 million annually.

The export of California-origin citrus products was suspended in April 2013 because of interceptions of brown rot, a soil fungus that affects stored fruit. Since that time USDA has worked with Chinese authorities to address health concerns and reopen the market.