BARTOW, Fla. – In the first forecast of the 2021-22 citrus season, the USDA projected production at 47 million boxes of Florida Oranges and 3.8 million boxes of Florida Grapefruit.
Released Tuesday, the forecast is a decrease over the previous season. However, production of specialty citrus is expected to be up slightly this season over last with 900,000 boxes forecasted.
“We hoped for more, but 47 million boxes of oranges demonstrates the resilience, ingenuity, and strength of Florida’s Citrus growers and their unwavering commitment to fighting the challenges facing our industry,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “Demand for Florida Orange Juice remains strong, with consumers continuing to turn to 100% orange juice for its many health and wellness benefits. Further, growers and researchers continue to develop new tools in the fight against HLB. With more than 90% of Florida’s orange crop being squeezed for juice, nearly every drop of this season’s fruit will go straight to the premium, great-tasting Not-From-Concentrate orange juice consumers want.”
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.
