Florida Orange Crop Yield Down More Than 80 Percent Since Peak During 1997-98 Season
By Space Coast Daily // December 13, 2017
down four million boxes from November estimate
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The USDA’s forecast of 46 million boxes of oranges for the 2017-2018 season is down four million boxes from the November estimate.
This forecast represents a decline of more than 80 percent since the peak of citrus production at 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced that Florida citrus sustained more than $760 million in damages.
In weeks following Hurricane Irma, Putnam joined Florida Governor Rick Scott in Washington D.C to discuss the agricultural damage and to request federal assistance with Florida’s Congressional Delegation.
“While much of the state has recovered and moved on from Hurricane Irma, Florida’s citrus growers continue to grapple with the unprecedented damage, which is still unfolding in many groves,” said Putnam.
“Florida’s growers need support and they need it as quickly as possible. I will continue to work with Governor Scott and leaders in Washington to get Florida’s growers the support and relief they need to rebuild.”
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS