In the first forecast of the 2020-21 citrus season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service projects production at 57 million boxes of Florida oranges and 4.5 million boxes of Florida grapefruit.
Released on Oct. 9, these numbers reflect a 15 percent decrease in Florida orange production and 7 percent decrease in Florida grapefruit production over the 2019–20 season. However, production of specialty citrus is expected to be up slightly this season over last with 1.1 million boxes forecast for tangerines and tangelos.
“Florida Citrus growers are finding success through innovative mitigation efforts to fight citrus greening in their groves. Today’s forecast is more likely reflective of factors beyond grower control typical of the agricultural growth cycle than any one issue,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “While the first forecast of the season serves as a starting point, we recognize that it does not necessarily indicate where we will end up. We are optimistic about the conditions of groves, preparations for the coming season’s crop and continued efforts to combat greening. Florida growers continue to produce the best tasting orange juice in the world, and we are confident consumers can continue to turn to the Original Wellness Drink as we head into the fall and winter seasons.”
Source: Florida Department of Citrus