The total production of Valencia oranges in California for the 2011-2012 season is projected at 28 million cartons. The estimate is similar to the 2010-2011 season, and although a relatively dry season has raised questions about sizing, average fruit size is on par with previous years.George Thacher, of Friend's Ranch in Ojai, says that they're anticipating a crop similar to ones in previous years. That's in line with estimates from the USDA's Objective Measurement Report (OMR) that projects this season's crop to be slightly higher than last year's. Last year's production was 27 million boxes.
“We didn't have problems with frost damage,” says Thacher, “and we're expecting volumes to be normal.” Though they've harvested a small amount of fruit, Thacher says fruit maturity is not currently producing an ideal taste, so they're opting to put off major harvesting for a few more weeks.
Because California experienced a dry spell for the first months of the year, growers have been concerned about sizing. Bob Blakely, director of industry relations for California Citrus Mutual, says he expects some fruit might run small, but recent rains will beef up size.
“Quality of fruit is good,” he says, “and although size looks to be on the small side, recent rains will help with growth.”
According to the ORM, average diameter of fruit on March 1 was 2.583 inches – that's slightly higher than last year's average of 2.546 inches for the same date.