BARTOW, Fla (Mar. 10, 2020) – The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a slight decrease for Florida Orange and Grapefruit production, in an announcement Tuesday.
The USDA predicted Florida Orange production at 71 million boxes, a one million box decrease over February’s forecast. Florida Grapefruit production decreased from 5.9 to 5.4 million boxes for the 2019-20 season. The numbers remain steady for Florida Citrus over 2018-19.
“Today’s forecast indicates an industry that remains in transition, but is cautiously optimistic for a bright future,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
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 50,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $7.2 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.
