Florida Orange production increased 2 million boxes since February’s projection
BARTOW, Fla. – This season’s Florida Orange crop increased slightly to 71 million boxes, according to projections made Wednesday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 2 million box increase in Florida Oranges is a result of a higher estimate for this season’s Valencia harvest due to increased fruit size and a decrease in drop, according to the USDA. The Florida Grapefruit crop also received a slight increase with 10.7 million boxes, up from 10.5 million boxes last month.
“Today’s forecast is a bright spot during a trying time for many growers. We know all too well the devastating toll citrus greening continues to take on the industry but look forward to many more positive reports in the future as research delivers new tools to wage the war in our groves,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “At the Department, we remain focused on supporting our growers by sharing the great taste and nutrition Florida Citrus delivers to people around the world.”
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.
