Last month’s 2015-2016 Florida orange forecast kickoff from USDA was one to remember, but not in a good way. The paltry 80 million boxes total, if realized, would be one for the record books. But, just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, along comes November. This month’s update adds insult to injury coming in at 74 million boxes.
The November orange forecast consists of: 37 million boxes of early, midseason, Navel, and Temple varieties; plus 37 million boxes of Valencias.
“The lower estimate is a stark reminder that the Florida citrus industry is in the fight of its life,” said Mike Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “It also shows how desperately we need more trees in the ground to help maintain the existing infrastructure.Therefore, we are asking Congress to support a tax measure put forth last week by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-16) that would incentivize growers to plant more citrus trees.”
The overall grapefruit estimate came in at 12.2 million boxes. This was down slightly from last month’s 12.3 million boxes.
Monthly updates from USDA will continue through July.
The next update from USDA is scheduled for December 9.