USDA raises forecast for Florida citrus

The USDA’s latest citrus forecast bumps up Florida oranges by 2 percent over last month’s estimate.

Florida is now projected to produce 52.7 million boxes of oranges, up from 51.7 million in May’s forecast. California’s estimate of 52 million boxes remains unchanged.

However, the products still shows massive drops from previous seasons of 67.4 million boxes of oranges for 2019-20 and 71.8 million for 2018-19.

The full report can be read here.

All Oranges 52.7 Million Boxes
The 2020-2021 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is raised 1.0 million boxes to 52.7 million boxes. The total includes 22.7 million boxes of the non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 30.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges.

Non-Valencia Oranges 22.7 Million Boxes
The forecast of non-Valencia orange production is 22.7 million boxes. The Navel forecast, included in the non-Valencia portion of the forecast, is 580,000 boxes, 3 percent of the non-Valencia total.

Valencia Oranges 30.0 Million Boxes
The forecast of Valencia orange production is up 1.0 million boxes and is now 30.0 million boxes. The Row Count survey conducted June 1, 2021 showed Valencia harvest is relatively complete. Estimated utilization to June 1, including an allocation for other use, is 29.6 million boxes.

All Grapefruit 4.10 Million Boxes
The forecast of all grapefruit production is final at 4.10 million boxes. The white grapefruit forecast is reduced 80,000 boxes to 620,000 boxes. The red grapefruit forecast is lowered 20,000 boxes to at 3.48 million boxes. The Row Count survey conducted June 1, 2021 indicated harvest is complete for these varieties.

Tangerines and Tangelos 890,000 Boxes
The forecast for tangerines and tangelos is final at 890,000 boxes. This production level is 13 percent less than last season’s final production of 1.02 million boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties.

Image sources are either licensed or customer-provided.