The forecast places oranges at 81.5 million boxes and grapefruit at 10.85 million boxes.
BARTOW, Fla. – The final crop report of the season issued Tuesday 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 July forecast estimated Florida Orange production for the 2015-16 season at 81.5 million boxes, an increase of 100,000 boxes. Florida Grapefruit production was projected at 10.85 million boxes.
According to Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp, “As another season comes to a close, we reflect on the many highs and lows our industry has experienced in the last year. Through it all, one constant has remained: the amazing inside Florida Citrus. While we certainly expect more challenges to come, we look forward to the opportunities a new season brings to promote and protect our beloved American icon.”
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.
