The forecast projected Florida Orange production for the 2014-15 season at 102 million boxes.
BARTOW, Fla. — Projections on this season’s Florida Orange crop held steady while Florida Grapefruit production declined, according to a report issued Thursday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The April forecast projected Florida Orange production for the 2014-15 season at 102 million boxes.
Florida Grapefruit production was estimated at 13 million boxes.
The Florida Department of Citrus planned its grapefruit budget for the current season on a yield of 15 million boxes. Most programs will continue as planned with the use of uncommitted funds placed in reserve for use during freezes or crop reductions.
“Today’s forecast will not distract us from our mission to promote Florida Citrus at home and around the world,” said Doug Ackerman, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “We will adjust as necessary and continue to serve the hardworking and dedicated Florida Citrus growers who make this industry possible.”
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.
