The 2023-2024 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 20.5 million boxes, unchanged from the December forecast. If realized, this will be 30 percent more than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 7.50 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 13.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. An 8-year regression was used for comparison purposes.
Non-Valencia oranges 7.50 million boxes
The forecast of non-Valencia production is 7.50 million boxes. Final fruit size is smaller than the minimum, requiring 336 pieces to fill a 90-pound box. Final droppage of non-Valencia oranges (excluding Navels) at 43 percent is equal to the maximum. The Navel forecast, included in the non-Valencia forecast, is 300,000 boxes, and is 4 percent of the non-Valencia total.
All grapefruit 2.40 million boxes
The forecast of all grapefruit production is unchanged from the December forecast. If realized, this will be 33 percent more than last season’s final production. The red grapefruit forecast is 2.10 million boxes. Fruit size of red grapefruit at harvest is projected to be average, and droppage is projected to be above average. The white grapefruit forecast is unchanged at 300,000 boxes. Projected fruit size of white grapefruit at harvest is above average. White grapefruit droppage is projected to be below average.
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Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director comments
“The stability shown since the initial crop forecast for 2024 underscores our positive outlook for the future of Florida Citrus and is a testament to the resolve of this industry,” said Shannon Shepp, Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director. “The dedication and work of those in Florida Citrus produce vital economic contributions to the State of Florida, and our focus will continue to be on providing the necessary resources to support them now and for the future.”
Source: floridacitrus.org