BARTOW – The USDA projected production of Florida Oranges at 46 million boxes and Florida Grapefruit at 4.1 million boxes for the 2021-22 citrus season in its December forecast.
Released Thursday, the forecast is a decrease from the initial October Forecast for Florida Orange production. However, production projections for Florida Grapefruit increased while specialty fruit remained the same.
“Today’s forecast underscores why support from leadership and policymakers is so important. This is an industry that continues to fight and remains a vital component of the state’s economy,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
“We are grateful Gov. DeSantis recognizes this and has included support for the Florida Citrus industry in his budget proposal.”
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the 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 33,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.762 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, visit FloridaCitrus.org/newsroom.
