The July crop forecast increased Florida Orange production by 200,000 boxes
BARTOW, Fla. – Florida Orange production increased slightly while grapefruit production held steady in the last forecast of the 2016-17 season, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The July report projected the state’s orange crop increased by 200,000 boxes to 68.7 million for the 2016-17 season. The Grapefruit crop held steady at 7.8 million boxes.
“Ending the season on a positive note is a big deal because it shows there is still investment in Florida’s signature crop. It takes quite serious effort to produce every single piece of fruit. Every additional box shows promise for Florida Citrus,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
The first crop forecast of the 2017-18 season takes place in October.
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 more than 45,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $8.6 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.
