“We are one of the pioneers in the organic citrus category,” says Steve Taft with Eco Farms in California. “We started with organics in 1974 and have had a stable orange acreage since then.” However, varieties have changed over time as some have become more popular at the cost of others. Despite a fairly stable acreage, Taft has noticed an increase in demand for organic oranges over the years. Business has been good as there are not that many organic citrus growers in California. There are even fewer organic growers in Florida. As a result, most competition is local. “Oranges are one of the produce varieties that’s harder to grow organic.”
This year’s organic orange supply seems to be fairly similar to last year. “Sizes are a bit smaller, but other than that, it appears to be a similar season,” Taft added. Harvest started November 1 and will roughly continue through May for Navel oranges. In January, Cara Cara Navels will start and be available until March. Blood oranges go from February to April and Valencias start in May and will go to October. Eco Farms’ oranges are distributed all over the US and Canada. They are available in bulk as well as bagged.
For more information:
Steve Taft
Eco Farms
Tel: 800-350-4326