The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its second citrus crop forecast for the 2019–20 season on Dec. 10.
ORANGES
The Florida orange forecast is 74 million boxes, unchanged from the Oct. 10 forecast. If realized, this forecast will be 3 percent more than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 32 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason and Navel varieties) and 42 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
For both Valencia and non-Valencia oranges, current fruit size is below average and projected to be below average at harvest. Current droppage is above average and is projected to be above average at harvest.
GRAPEFRUIT
The forecast for grapefruit production is up 7 percent from the October forecast and is now 4.9 million boxes. If realized, this forecast will be 9 percent more than last season’s final production. The red grapefruit forecast is 4.10 million boxes. The white grapefruit forecast is 800,000 boxes.
TANGERINES AND TANGELOS
The forecast for tangerine and tangelos is unchanged from the previous forecast at 1.05 million boxes, 6 percent more than last season’s utilization of 990,000 boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties.
See the forecast form: USDA/NASS Citrus Maturity Test Results and Fruit Size form
Hear the forecast reports:
Mark your calendar! The next USDA citrus crop forecast for the 2019–20 season will be on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 at approximately 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You will be able to tune in and hear the numbers as they are given by USDA.
Coverage of the Citrus Crop Forecast is brought to you by Aerobotics, Farm Credit of Florida, Fruit Shield, Labor Solutions, and TradeMark Nitrogen Corp.