USDA releases first citrus crop forecast for 2026-27 season

October 9, 2026 Bartow, FL — In the first forecast of the 2026-27 citrus season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts Florida citrus production at 10 million 90-pound boxes of oranges, 1.3 million 85-pound boxes of grapefruit, and tangerine production of 450,000 95-pound boxes.

The 2026-27 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board of 10.0 million boxes is down 23 percent from last season’s final production.

The total includes 3.00 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties), 37 percent less than last season’s final production, and 7.00 million boxes of Valencia oranges, which is 14 percent lower than last season’s final production.

The forecast for all grapefruit production is 1.30 million boxes, 4 percent less than last season’s utilization of 1.35 million boxes. The total is comprised of 1.20 million boxes of red grapefruit and 100,000 boxes of white grapefruit.

The forecast for lemons is 950,000 boxes, 6 percent more than last season. The forecast for tangerines and tangelos is 450,000 boxes is 10,000 boxes less than last season’s utilization.

“The tenacity and grit of Florida Citrus growers cannot be overstated,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “The faith of a farmer is nothing to mess around with. In partnership with our best-in-class research community, Florida Citrus remains a significant economic driver in the state of Florida and well-positioned for future investment.”

ABOUT THE FDOC: The Florida Department of Citrus is the state government agency charged with marketing, regulation and research for the Florida Citrus industry. Since 1935, Florida growers have taxed themselves to support the mission of maximizing consumer demand for Florida Citrus products to ensure the sustainability and the economic well-being of the Florida Citrus grower, the citrus industry and the state of Florida. Florida Citrus contributes $6 Billion to the state’s economy.

Contact:
Celeste Walls, (863) 537-3980
News@citrus.myflorida.com