Here’s Florida Citrus Mutual’s review of today’s USDA citrus crop update:
LAKELAND, Fla. (May 11, 2010) –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released its May orange forecast for the 2009-2010 season showing no change to the 131.6 million box crop. The early and midseason orange crop remained unchanged at 68.6 million boxes while Valencias stayed at 63 million boxes.
Download Audio
“It has been a good season for Florida citrus growers,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The season is winding down and we produced another quality crop of healthy Florida citrus which is a testament to our growers considering the challenges they face on a daily basis.”
Visit www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Florida/Publications/Citrus/cpfp.htm for the complete USDA estimate. The USDA makes its initial forecast in October and then revises it monthly until the end of the season in July.
The USDA’s grapefruit estimate increased 800,000 boxes to 19.8 million. White grapefruit accounted for 300,000 boxes and colored grapefruit made up the remaining 500,000 box increase.
For Florida specialty fruit, the USDA’s tangelo estimate stayed at 900,000 boxes while tangerines increased 400,000 boxes to 4.5 million.
The all variety yield for frozen concentrated orange juice was reduced from 1.56 gallons per 90-pound box to 1.55 gallons. The Valencia yield decreased from 1.65 to 1.63.
The Florida citrus industry creates a $9 billion annual economic impact, employing nearly 76,000 people, and covering more than 576,000 acres. Founded in 1948 and currently representing nearly 8,000 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state’s largest citrus grower organization. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |