Florida Orange production held steady at 67 million boxes while Grapefruit decreased to 8.1 million boxes
BARTOW, Fla. – Florida Orange production remained steady while Grapefruit production declined, according to the latest forecast by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The April report projects the state’s orange crop to stay at 67 million boxes for the 2016-17 season. The Grapefruit crop was reduced by 800,000 boxes to 8.1 million.
“It’s a tough hit for Florida’s Grapefruit growers who have been so committed to fighting pest and disease to maintain this staple of Florida’s economy. Florida Grapefruit is, by far, what world consumers seek out for its unique flavor profile, sweetness and juiciness,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
The FDOC, which is mostly funded through box taxes paid by the state’s citrus growers, serves as the chief marketing, regulation and promotional arm of the industry.
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.
