The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has once again adjusted its forecast for the Florida citrus harvest, marking an increase for the second consecutive month. The latest figures estimate the 2023-24 season's orange production at 17.97 million boxes, a slight rise from the previous forecast in early June. Despite this upward revision, the output remains modest compared to the industry's zenith in the late 1990s.
Florida Citrus Mutual's Executive Vice President and CEO, Matt Joyner, expressed optimism about the sector's trajectory, citing advancements in combating citrus greening and a commitment to innovation among Florida's citrus growers. The USDA also anticipates stable production levels for other citrus varieties, with grapefruit and tangelos/tangerines expected to yield 1.79 million and 450,000 boxes respectively, consistent with June's figures.
Reflecting on the challenges and achievements of the industry, Joyner highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Florida's citrus growers, who number nearly 2,000 and are part of an organization established in 1948. Despite the positive outlook, current production significantly trails the record-setting 244 million boxes of oranges harvested in the 1997-98 season.
Click here to view the USDA July Citrus Forecast.
Source: floridapolitics.com