The USDA projects 72 million oranges and 9.6 million grapefruit
BARTOW, Fla. – In the second forecast of the 2016-17 season, the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a slight increase in Florida’s orange production.
The report predicts a nearly 3 percent increase in the state’s orange production, to 72 million boxes, while grapefruit held steady at 9.6 million boxes.
According to Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus: “This is great news. We are encouraged by today’s estimate as it reflects the continued hard work and dedication of our Florida Citrus growers in the face of ongoing challenges. We remain dedicated to promoting the premium nature and quality of Florida Citrus to consumers around the world.”
The FDOC, which is partially funded by box taxes paid by the state’s citrus growers, serves as the chief marketing and promotion arm for the industry.
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.
