A report issued by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected a slight increase in the size of this season’s Florida orange crop.
The June forecast estimated Florida orange production for the 2015/16 season at 81.4m boxes, an increase of 300,000 boxes.
According to the report, Florida grapefruit production remained constant at 10.85m boxes.
According to Florida Department of Citrus executive director Shannon Shepp: “As we reflect on what has been another tumultuous season for Florida Citrus, we take heart in the fact that growers continue to produce high-quality, premium citrus at the current production levels.
'We look forward to supporting their efforts through continued marketing and promotion programmes this summer and into next season,' Shepp added.
The USDA will provide a final forecast for the 2015/16 season on 12 July.
