Alico citrus grove Florida

The latest forecast by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the US Department of Agriculture has predicted an increase in Florida orange production, while grapefruit production has declined.

The May report projects the state’s orange crop to increase to 68m boxes for the 2016/17 season, while the grapefruit crop dipped to 7.8m boxes.

'It is heartbreaking to watch an industry you love work so hard to survive,' said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. 'Florida Citrus is valued around the world for its premium taste and quality. We will not let that change.'