The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected an increase of 1m boxes in Florida orange production for the June forecast of the 2020/21 season.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service report predicted an orange production increase of 2 per cent, from 51.7m boxes to 52.7m boxes.
Florida grapefruit production decreased 100,000 boxes to 4.1m boxes, while the production of specialty citrus decreased slightly from 900,000 boxes to 890,000 boxes.
“While this season has been filled with ups and downs, we are encouraged by the opportunities ahead,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
“This week, governor DeSantis further recognised the important role Florida citrus plays in our state in the signing of a budget that provides US$27.7m in support of citrus, including US$17m for marketing, Shepp noted. 'We are thankful to the governor and state leaders in the Senate and the House who believe in Florida Citrus, and are committed to preserving the future of our state’s signature crop.
'There is work to do, but I know of no other industry more resilient, hardworking, or better suited for the job than ours.”
The USDA will release its final forecast for the season on 12 July.
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