The latest revised forecast from Florida Department of Citrus has shown that while there has been a significant dip from October’s official estimate, grapefruit crops are still predicted to be up on last year.
October’s original estimate indicated the amount of grapefruit boxes to almost double the 2004-05 total at 24 million, but the latest revision has brought this number down to just 16m.
Specifically, white grapefruit is estimated to be down three million boxes and coloured five million boxes.
However, the new figures are still an estimated 3.2m boxes overall up on last year’s total.
Growers in Florida have faced a series of severe setbacks in recent months including issues with citrus canker and four major hurricanes.
Andrew Meadows, FDOC public affairs manager, said: “The grapefruit crop is up on last year and we expect pricing to remain stable from last year.”
He explained that while the citrus trees have been able to recover from the hurricanes, canker has been harder to manage, as affected trees have to be pulled out of the ground.
“Citrus trees are very sturdy and 60 and 70-year-old trees have been able to withstand the hurricanes and will be able to bear fruit in the coming years.”
“Canker is the primary disease and there has been an effect on crops. If canker is found then a certain amount has to be pulled up and destroyed,” he said. “It’s not to the point where it’s become a supply issue, but it’s certainly a concern for growers…the entire industry is being diligent so at this point there are no real effects, but there could be in the future.”
However, he says the department is adamant the quality of European supply will not be affected. “Florida is still producing a quality crop. We are dictated by some very stringent quality standards so we can assure people that they will continue to get the quality fruit they are used to getting from Florida.”
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