Citrus acreage in Georgia continues to increase. According to Jake Price, University of Georgia Lowndes County Extension coordinator, it increased by 50%. During a citrus growers’ summer update meeting on Aug. 25 in Lowndes County, Price said that Georgia’s citrus acreage has ballooned to 2,700 acres in 46 counties. The state had just 1,000 acres in 2019. The steady incline is expected to stall sooner rather than later, though.
A potential for excess fruit at the market this year could be pivotal for Georgia citrus production. Price said a larger amount of citrus fruit should start coming on the market this year, based on 2017 plantings. That could create concerns among growers and packers of where to sell their crop after it has been harvested.
Citrusindustry.net reports how approximately 85% of Georgia’s citrus acres are satsuma mandarins. Satsumas are cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees. They’re also seedless and easy to peel.
