Bartow, Fla – In the first U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast of the 2023 – 2024 citrus season, the USDA projected production at 20.5 million boxes of Florida Oranges, 1.9 million boxes of Florida Grapefruit, and 500,000 boxes of Florida Tangerines. The crop forecast released on October 12, 2023, shows an increase in production compared to the final forecast released last season.
“Today’s Citrus Crop Forecast helps strengthen our industry’s faith in the future of Florida Citrus and is a further testament to growers’ determination and ingenuity as we see a slight upswing in production,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “The foundation of this industry is its ability to adapt, overcome and evolve in our treatments and protections against prolonged challenges stemming from extreme weather and citrus greening. Our growers’ commitment to producing the highest quality citrus has been the backbone of this iconic Florida industry since its inception, and we will continue to forge ahead to meet and exceed the high consumer demand of Florida Orange Juice and grapefruit domestically and internationally.”
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research, and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 33,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.762 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads, and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, visit FloridaCitrus.org/newsroom.
