USDA’s July citrus forecast shows a 1% increase in Florida orange production since June. This is the fifth month in a row the agency has not seen a decrease in the state’s citrus production.
July’s orange production forecast saw a 3% increase, carried by a 5% increase in Valencia oranges. In May, all orange production increased a little under 1%. April orange production remained unchanged.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual Matt Joyner called the news encouraging and said “the path forward for Florida’s citrus industry is bright with new opportunities for growth.”
“Promising treatments for citrus greening, disease-tolerant citrus varieties, targeted state funds to support research and replanting, and federal disaster relief programs like the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will equip citrus growers with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The USDA’s July forecast of 12.15 million boxes marks the third consecutive month of production gains – an encouraging indicator that we’re on the path to a more resilient future. Our growers have shown incredible perseverance through citrus greening and hurricanes, and we remain hopeful that our growers can build on this momentum next season with continued improvements in tree health and fruit production.”
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