There's optimism around the upcoming California citrus season as the growers are getting underway with harvest. "We're just getting started with our navel harvest. Growers are in the fields looking at both internal and exterior quality measurements and looking to get going here real soon," says Casey Creamer of California Citrus Mutual (CCM), adding that there are reports as well about harvest starting on mandarins and lemons in District 3.
Leading into the season there have been more favorable growing conditions compared to last year. "There were some warmer temperatures last year which held us back on starting navels. With the warmer weather, the color doesn't break," says Creamer. "This year with the good weather we've had good quality with some good sizing. It's been a cooler summer, at least in the Central Valley."
With rain in the forecast this week, that could hold up the harvest temporarily. Otherwise, the projected start of the harvest is slightly ahead of normal. Also, reports indicate that the overall volume of California citrus is going to be similar to 2024's numbers. "Some varieties are up and some are a bit down. Projections for navels are a little bit more than last season but not much more."
© California Citrus Mutual
State of demand
There is also optimism this season around what demand will look like, particularly on exports. Generally domestic demand is steady for California oranges, mandarins and navels and has been for several years, though the demand for lemons seems to have been impacted by a growing number of imports coming into the U.S.
However, challenges with exports this year have meant there was more citrus on the domestic market and in turn, that pressured pricing. For example, in March, Canada imposed a 25 percent counter tariff on a number of items coming from the U.S., including citrus. However, that counter tariff was lifted last month.
"It doesn't appear that we have any major roadblocks on exports so we're looking forward to getting back into our top markets which are Canada, Korea, Japan, Vietnam is also emerging as is Australia and New Zealand," says Creamer.
For more information:
Abby Peltzer
California Citrus Mutual
Tel: +1 (559) 592-3790
[email protected]
https://www.cacitrusmutual.com/
