The Florida Agricultural Statistics Service (FASS) has notified stakeholders that there will be no citrus crop forecast released on October 11 due to the government shutdown, according to Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM).
Consequently, the crop estimate luncheon that was to be hosted by FCM at the Davis Barn in Wauchula has been cancelled for now. “Once we know what FASS plans to do we will decide whether to re-schedule the luncheon,” said Mike Sparks, FCM executive VP/CEO. “We enjoy holding this event and will try to do everything we can to make it happen.”
Normally, USDA makes its initial forecast in October and then revises it monthly until the end of the season in July.