BARTOW, Fla. — In the first report of the year, the United States Department of Agriculture projected production of Florida Oranges at 54 million boxes and Florida Grapefruit at 4.6 million boxes for the 2020-21 season, both reflecting adjustments from the previous month’s forecast.
Released Tuesday, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service report predicts a 3.5 percent decrease in Florida Orange production and 4.5 percent increase in Florida Grapefruit production over December. Production of specialty citrus held steady with 1.1. million boxes forecasted.
“While a decline in production is never welcome news, there is positivity to be found elsewhere in the industry,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “Grapefruit production is up, growers continue to make great strides against citrus greening and consumers are more focused on health and wellness than ever before. We remain committed to growing Florida Orange Juice as “The Original Wellness Drink” and ensuring Florida Citrus stays top of mind for consumers around the globe.
–Shelley Rossetter, Florida Department of Citrus