BARTOW – The USDA lowered its estimate for Florida Orange production in its February forecast while holding Florida Grapefruit and Specialty fruit steady.
Released Wednesday, the report projects 43.5 million boxes of Florida Oranges, a 1 million box departure from January’s forecast. Florida Grapefruit production is projected at 4.1 million boxes while Florida Specialty Citrus is expected to remain at 800,000 boxes.
“The grit and determination of Florida Citrus growers does not waver. They remain committed, in the face of known and unknown challenges, to providing high-quality and great-tasting Florida Citrus and Florida Orange Juice to all who seek it out,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “As consumers continue to turn to Florida Orange Juice for its health benefits at a higher rate than in many previous years, growers are reinvesting and replanting to ensure this iconic beverage can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the 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 more than 33,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.762 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, visit FloridaCitrus.org/newsroom.
