Florida Citrus Season at the Start Line! How Will it Shake Out?
October 9, 2020 It’s that time of year when citrus production kicks off in the Sunshine State. With that, the USDA released its initial orange and grapefruit crop estimates for the 2020-2021 campaign.
The government agency has forecast the Florida orange crop to come in at 57 million boxes. The total is broken out as 23 million boxes of early/mid-season varieties, plus 34 million Valencia. Last season’s orange crop topped out at just less than 68 million boxes.
Despite USDA’s outlook for a smaller haul, Florida Citrus Mutual Executive VP/CEO Mike Sparks is pointing to the positive.
“The juice we will squeeze from this year’s crop added to our current inventory is great news for the consumer,” he says. “We will have an adequate supply of quality Florida orange juice heading into the winter cold and flu season. People can turn to OJ and its Vitamin C to stay healthy.”
In August, citrus economist Elizabeth Steger released her pre-season Florida orange crop forecast with a smaller range of 59 million to 65 million boxes.
Shannon Ross Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus, recognizes the season is a marathon and not a sprint. “Today’s forecast is more likely reflective of factors beyond grower control typical of the agricultural growth cycle than any one issue,” she says. “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.”
So, what about grapefruit? The estimate of the 2020-2021 Florida grapefruit crop is 4.5 million boxes, which is nearly flat to last year’s initial forecast of 4.6 million boxes and eventual outcome of 4.85 million.
USDA will continue to update its forecast each month through next July.
How will the 2020-2021 Florida orange forecast shake Out?
- Above forecast (50%, 10 Votes)
- Below forecast (45%, 9 Votes)
- At forecast (5%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 20
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