The 2018-2019 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is as follows:
All Oranges 72.4 Million Boxes
Production of all oranges is forecast at 72.4 million boxes, down 5 percent from the April forecast. The total includes of 30.4 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 42.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
Non-Valencia Oranges 30.4 Million Boxes
The forecast of non-Valencia production is finalized at 30.4 million boxes. Harvest is complete for the included varieties. The Navel forecast, included in the non-Valencia portion of the forecast, is 750,000 boxes, 2 percent of the non-Valencia total.
Valencia Oranges 42.0 Million Boxes
The forecast of Valencia production is lowered to 42.0 million boxes, down 9 percent from the April forecast. Weekly certifications in April averaged 3.46 million boxes. The Row Count survey conducted April 29-30, 2019 showed 62 percent of the Valencia rows are harvested. Estimated utilization to May 1, including an allocation for other use, is 26.4 million boxes.
Processors were surveyed regarding fruit processed through April 30th and the estimated quantity remaining to be processed to the end of the season. Analysis of the Row Count Survey, estimated utilization to the first of the month, and the results of the processors report support reducing the Valencia orange forecast.
All Grapefruit 4.58 Million Boxes
The forecast of all grapefruit production is lowered 320,000 boxes to 4.58 million boxes. The white grapefruit forecast is reduced 20,000 boxes to 780,000 boxes. The red grapefruit forecast is lowered 300,000 boxes to and is now 3.80 million boxes. Estimated utilization to May 1, with an allocation for non-certified use, of white grapefruit is 770,000 boxes and of red grapefruit is 3.70 million boxes. The Row Count survey conducted April 29-30, 2019, indicated harvest is relatively complete for these varieties.
Tangerines and Tangelos 1.00 Million Boxes
The forecast for the tangerine and tangelo production is increased 50,000 boxes to 1.00 million boxes. If realized, this production level will be 33 percent more than last season’s hurricane affected production of 750,000 boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties. Estimated utilization to May 1, with an allocation for non-certified use is 989,000 boxes.