In California, despite facing a season of record-breaking temperatures, the orange yield is anticipated to rise, with the USDA projecting the 2024-25 California Navel orange output at 78.0 million cartons, a 2% increase from the prior year. This estimate encompasses the production of conventional, organic, and specialty Navel oranges, including Cara Cara and Blood orange varieties. A notable observation from the USDA is the smaller fruit diameter, attributed to the summer's extreme heat, marking the smallest sizes in two decades.
Furthermore, the Cara Cara variety is expected to reach 9.0 million cartons, with a fruit set per tree increase of 10% from the previous year. Despite the growth, the average diameter of Cara Cara oranges has decreased slightly. The Tango and W. Murcott Afourer Mandarin varieties are forecasted at 29.0 million 40-lb. cartons, indicating a positive trend in the easy peel tangerine market. This forecast is based on comprehensive data collected through the Mandarin Objective Measurement Survey, which reflects an uptick in fruit set and diameter for these mandarin varieties.
Additionally, the overall mandarin acreage in California has seen an increase, with Tulare County leading in mandarin production. The county has consistently expanded its mandarin acreage, contributing significantly to the state's total. However, starting from the 2023-24 crop year, only state-level forecasts will be published, discontinuing the Central Valley specific forecasts.
Source: Mid Valley Times