The US Department of Agriculture has released its 2010 valencia orange forecast, with estimated production sitting at 34m cartons, well up on the prediction of 30m just a couple of months ago.
The prediction is 21 per cent higher than last season's final yield of 28m cartons.
The forecast is based on the results of the 2009/10 Valencia Orange Objective Measurement Survey, which was conducted from 15 January to 24 February.
Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and oranges per box were used in the statistical models to estimate production and the data collated indicates a return to a normal crop after last year's light season.
In 2009 mild spring and summer weather helped fruit development, while autumn storms and cold winter temperatures did not significantly affect the crop.
The study indicated a large fruit set per tree of 704, nearly 25 per cent above the five-year average of 564, while the average diameter on 1 March was 2.630 inches (6.68cm), very similar to the five-year average of 2.620 (6.65cm).
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