BARTOW, Fla. – The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected an increase for Florida Grapefruit as Florida Orange production decreased slightly, in an announcement Tuesday.
The USDA predicted Florida Orange production at 72 million boxes, a two million box decrease over January’s forecast. Florida Grapefruit production climbed from 5.4 to 5.9 million boxes for the 2019-20 season. The numbers remain an increase for Florida Citrus over 2018-19.
“Entering the Valencia harvest period with relatively stable numbers remains a positive sign for Florida’s iconic citrus industry,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “Grapefruit production rebound is significant and presents an optimistic vision for Florida Grapefruit in the near future.”
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.
