FAS/San José anticipates Costa Rican orange production to rise to 305,000 metric tons in marketing year 2022/23, despite challenging growing conditions, as effective citrus greening management and increased density tree patterns drive yields higher. While the United States remains the leading destination for Costa Rican exports of frozen concentrated orange juice, surging exports to China in the first quarter of 2022 are expected to drive total export volumes up in marketing year 2022/23.
Production
FAS/San José forecasts total production to increase almost 2 percent in MY 2022/2023, climbing to 305,000 MT as denser plantings on larger farms drive up yields and citrus greening management programs mitigate the worst impacts of the virus. Harvest is mainly from January to May, with peak production in March and April. Within area planted to oranges, farmers have gradually increased the number of trees per hectare by using the “Flying Dragon” pattern, which supports higher tree density, easier farm management, and lower production costs per hectare.
FAS/San José anticipates major growers to continue directing investments toward replanting existing area with new trees and new patterns, rather than increasing area planted. Industry sources expect the pattern renovation process to continue through the next 10 to 12 years.
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Source: fas.usda.gov