Florida Orange crop estimated at 76 million boxes
BARTOW, Fla. – This season’s Florida Orange crop increased by 5 million boxes in the latest estimate released Tuesday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Florida Orange crop is projected to produce 76 million boxes this season, according to the report, while the Florida Grapefruit crop held steady at 10.7 million boxes.
“Today’s news is encouraging. We must remember this is still an industry in crisis. Production costs are at an all-time high and there is less Florida Orange Juice to go around. While the industry continues to combat citrus greening, we remain committed to educating consumers on the nutritional benefits of Florida Citrus,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
Florida produces more than half of the orange juice Americans drink and about 90 percent of Florida Oranges are grown to become juice.
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of 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 nearly 62,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of nearly $10.7 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, please visit FloridaCitrus.org.
