Revised Forecast Yields Small Victory For Florida Oranges

Where will the 2015-2016 Florida orange crop ultimately shake out? According to a recent GrowingProduce.com reader poll, the majority (53%) of respondents said somewhere between 60 million and 69 million boxes.

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If you answered in that range, you’re still on the right track — for now. The revised all Florida orange forecast stayed the same for the second straight month at 69 million boxes.

The estimated breakdown remains: 36 million boxes of early, midseason, Navel, and Temple varieties; plus 33 million boxes of Valencias.

“Today’s citrus crop forecast further illustrates that Florida’s citrus industry is on a precipice,” stated Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “Florida is synonymous with citrus, and without immediate and tangible support, as well as a long-term solution, Florida is facing the prospect of losing its signature crop and its more than $10 billion economic impact.”

The overall grapefruit estimate came in at 10.5 million boxes. This is down slightly from last month’s 10.8 million box count.

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The next estimate from USDA is scheduled for March 9.

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