Florida Citrus Sector Looks To Finish Long Season on up Note

Posted by Paul Rusnak|June 10, 2021

The 2020-2021 Florida citrus season has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Nowhere is that better indicated than in the monthly crop estimates released by USDA. The current campaign’s finish line is in sight. And the latest orange crop figures from the government agency show a little positive momentum heading into next season’s preparations.

The June citrus crop forecast includes a 1 million box increase in all orange production for the Sunshine State (22.7 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges plus 30 million boxes of Valencias), a 2% increase over last month.

Conversely, the grapefruit estimate was reduced by 2% from last month’s report, down to 4.1 million boxes.

In a statement released shortly after the latest crop forecast was revealed, Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus, acknowledges the bumpy nature of the season, but is encouraged by opportunities ahead. “This week, Gov. DeSantis further recognized the important role Florida Citrus plays in our state in the signing of a budget that provides $27.7 million in support of citrus, including $17 million for marketing,” she says. “We are thankful to the Governor and state leaders in the Senate and the House who believe in Florida citrus, and are committed to preserving the future of our state’s signature crop. There is work to do, but I know of no other industry more resilient, hardworking, or better suited for the job than ours.”

Last October, USDA kicked off its 2020-2021 Florida orange forecast with a projection of 57 million boxes. It set the grapefruit bar at 4.5 million boxes.