MAITLAND, Fla. — All Oranges 47.0 million boxes. The 2021-2022 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is carried forward from October at 47.0 million boxes, down 11 percent from last season’s final production. The total includes 19.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 28.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. The Navel orange forecast, at 450,000 boxes, accounts for 2 percent of the non-Valencia total. The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 49.4 million.
All Grapefruit 3.80 Million Boxes
The forecast of all grapefruit production is carried forward at 3.80 million boxes, 7 percent less than last season’s utilization of 4.10 million boxes. The total is comprised of 3.20 million boxes of red grapefruit and 600,000 boxes of white grapefruit.
Tangerines and Tangelos Total 900,000 Boxes
The forecast for tangerine and tangelos is carried forward at 900,000 boxes, 1 percent more than last season’s utilization of 890,000 boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties
Weather and Field Conditions
Daily temperatures during October were average or above for this time of year, with highs mostly in the mid-80’s to the low 90’s. Rainfall amounts varied widely across the citrus producing region, ranging anywhere from just over an inch to nearly four and a half inches. According to the October 28, 2021, U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions began to form along the upper Indian River area and adjacent counties in response to the continued lack of adequate rainfall. The rest of citrus growing region was drought free. Grove activities included mowing, fertilizing, applying fungicides and herbicides, pollenating, nutritional and pesticide spraying, discing of row middles, dead tree removal, new tree planting, and general grove maintenance, including ditch clean-out.
Crop Progress
The crop season in October began with harvesting of Navel and Hamlin oranges, red grapefruit, and Fallglo and Early Pride tangerines. Harvested fruit was primarily for the fresh market. By the end of October, two processing plants were open for eliminations and thirteen packinghouses were shipping fruit. According to the Citrus Administrative Committee Utilization Report, dated October 24, 2021, less than 1 percent of early and midseason oranges (excluding Navels), 5 percent of Navel oranges, 2 percent of all grapefruit, and 8 percent of tangerines and tangelos have been certified.
Estimates of Production by Marketing Districts
Production forecasts for Florida oranges and grapefruit were divided among marketing districts for this report. Comparisons are shown to the previous season in the table below. Marketing District II is the legally defined Indian River District along the East Coast. Marketing District III (Gulf) includes the counties of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. Marketing District I (Florida SunRidge) includes all other citrus-producing counties.
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–USDA, NASS