While the Florida citrus crop is still being evaluated ahead of its start this fall, an early peek indicates the crop is looking good in a few ways. "We definitely have more fruit than last season," says Steven Callaham of the Dundee Citrus Growers, adding that last season, Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the Florida growing region and, subsequently, some of the crop was lost. "We have not had a hurricane yet this year, and we've got a better crop on the tree in quantity and quality. The fruit quality looks very, very good."
© Dundee Citrus Growers
This, even though the growing season has seen mixed rainfall, depending on the area. "We had decent rain in some areas, and we've had some pretty dry conditions in others. The state overall is behind on rainfall this year compared to normal," says Callaham, adding that it's likely to start its season in late September this year, which is consistent with historical timing.
That said, Callaham adds that the company's diligence in its production practices around factors such as pest and disease management seems to be paying off in producing this good crop.
Varietal updates
In terms of varieties, the company now has close to 1,000 acres in its citrus under protective screen (CUPS) program. "So that volume is increasing significantly as the trees get older," says Callaham. "It means we can now more accurately predict the volume and quality of what we're going to have on our trees."
© Dundee Citrus Growers
In its outdoor groves, the therapies that the company has applied to its trees to combat citrus greening, a problematic issue that Florida citrus growers have been battling for years, continue to work well. For example, the company has increased its root density, which leads to a thicker, denser, and more lush canopy on trees. In turn, that produces better fruit sizing and quality.
As for demand for Florida citrus this season, Callaham also believes that it will continue to grow again for Florida citrus products. "There's a keen interest in what we're doing, and we're moving forward with increasing volume, which is garnering interest from the customers we're working with. It's also attracting new customers," he says.
Meanwhile, on pricing, it was stronger last year. "Historically, if you had a freeze or hurricane, prices would double, but you don't see that anymore," Callaham says. "Volume is just much lower than it was in the past, so prices are higher now. Everybody is experiencing rising costs, and ultimately, that has to be passed on to consumers. We're doing all we can to keep prices as reasonable as possible. We'll continue to look at that so we can offer customers something that's of good value and quality, so consumers are willing to continue buying fruit."
For more information:
Steven Callaham
Dundee Citrus Growers
Tel: +1 (863) 439-1574
[email protected]
http://dun-d.com/
