Florida Orange crop projected at 81.4 million boxes, Grapefruit at 10.85 million boxes
BARTOW, Fla. – A report issued Friday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a slight increase over last month in the size of this season’s Florida Orange crop.
The June forecast estimated Florida Orange production for the 2015-16 season at 81.4 million boxes, an increase of 300,000 boxes. Florida Grapefruit production remained constant at 10.85 million boxes.
According to Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp, “As we reflect on what has been another tumultuous season for Florida Citrus, we take heart in the fact that growers continue to produce high-quality, premium citrus at the current production levels. We look forward to supporting their efforts through continued marketing and promotion programs this summer and into next season.”
The USDA will provide a final forecast for the 2015-16 season on July 12.
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.
