The Florida Grapefruit crop dipped slightly.
BARTOW, Fla. – According to the latest forecast by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Orange production increased while Grapefruit production declined.
The May report projects the state’s orange crop to increase to 68 million boxes for the 2016-17 season. The Grapefruit crop dipped to 7.8 million boxes.
“It is heartbreaking to watch an industry you love work so hard to survive. Florida Citrus is valued around the world for its premium taste and quality. We will not let that change,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
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.
