The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) latest citrus harvest forecast indicates a stable industry, with an estimated 18.8 million boxes of oranges to be harvested in Florida for the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Florida is expected to produce 2 million boxes of grapefruit and 500,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos. Despite a decline from the previous year, Florida Citrus Mutual officials remain positive about the sector's outlook.
"While this month's USDA citrus forecast shows a dip in production, optimism blooms among Florida citrus growers," stated Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. He highlighted the improved tree health and the presence of 'snow white' orange blossoms as indicators of a potential resurgence in Florida's citrus industry. This optimism comes despite Florida's recent fall behind California in citrus production, with the latter expected to produce 46 million boxes of oranges this year.
Supporting this positive outlook, the Florida Legislature approved $47 million in assistance for the citrus industry, with $18 million allocated for treatment and growing therapies. This initiative is part of efforts to revitalize Florida's citrus sector, which has seen better days, notably in the 1997-98 season with a harvest of 244 million boxes of oranges.
Click here to read the data sheet.
Source: floridapolitics.com