The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Statistics Board released an update to the 2023–24 citrus crop forecast on May 10.
FLORIDA ORANGES
The Florida orange forecast is lowered 1 million boxes to 17.8 million boxes, representing a 5% decrease from the April forecast. The reduction is in the Valencia crop, which dropped 8% from 12 million boxes to 11 million boxes. The forecast for non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season and Navel varieties) remains unchanged at 6.8 million boxes. The Navel forecast of 180,000 boxes is 3% of the non-Valencia total.
If realized, Florida orange production will be 13% more than last season’s final production.
The Row Count survey, conducted April 29–30, indicated 97% of the Valencia rows are harvested. Processors were surveyed regarding fruit processed through April 30 and the estimated quantity remaining to be processed to the end of the season. Analysis of the results of the processors survey support decreasing the Valencia orange forecast.
FLORIDA GRAPEFRUIT
The all-grapefruit forecast is 1.8 million boxes, down from April’s 2 million boxes. This is a 10% decrease. White grapefruit is unchanged at 250,000 boxes; red grapefruit fell from 1.75 to 1.55 million boxes. The Row Count survey, conducted April 29-30, indicated the grapefruit harvest is relatively complete.
FLORIDA TANGERINES AND TANGELOS
The forecast for Florida tangerines and tangelos is holding steady at 500,000 boxes, unchanged from the April forecast. This number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties.
OTHER STATES
In the May forecast update, there were no changes for citrus varieties produced in California, Texas or Arizona.
See the USDA’s May citrus crop forecast report here.
The USDA will release its next update to the 2023–24 citrus crop forecast on June 12 at approximately 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the Citrus Industry website.
Source: USDA
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