Bumper Crop Expected in Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Lindy Savelle is optimistic about this year’s crop in the cold-hardy citrus region.

“We’ve had some fruit drop on trees, which is to be expected, but mostly we are going to have a bumper crop this year,” said Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. “I think everyone I’ve talked to has said that their trees are loaded. We’re going to have a lot of production this year.”

Multiple factors have contributed to Savelle’s optimism. Ironically, one stems from last year’s lack of production.

“Last year, the trees didn’t produce much. They’ve got a whole lot of energy to put out this year to fruit,” Savelle said. “Also, the trees are older this year. Not only did we not have much last year, but also the trees are getting older, and more trees are coming into production. The model is ticking up every year.”

The bumper crop is not isolated to one specific variety, either. All varieties are expected to excel in production this season.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of Shiranui this year; probably some Cara Caras and seedless Kishu,” Savelle said. “Tangos, we’re probably going to see some, but we don’t have a lot of Tangos in the ground yet. We’re seeing a lot of them go in the ground, being planted now. Definitely grapefruit, red navels, Shiranui and those sorts of things are going to have a lot this year, which is good. We need to have that production so we can have a more diverse availability to consumers, lengthen our harvest season and lengthen what’s available to consumers on the shelf.”

Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension citrus agent, also recently commented on the cold-hardy region’s expected large crop. Read more here.

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