U.S. Department of Agriculture Releases Citrus Crop Forecast for 2019-20 Season
By Space Coast Daily // October 15, 2019
USDA forecast of 74 million boxes of oranges for the 2019-20 season is up 3 percent
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the initial citrus crop forecast for the 2019-20 season.
CLICK HERE FOR CITRUS CROP FORECAST
The USDA report forecast of 74 million boxes of oranges for the 2019-20 season is up 3 percent from the 71.7 million boxes harvested last season.
The USDA also forecast 4.5 million boxes of grapefruit and just under 1 million boxes of tangerines in 2019-20.
The peak of citrus production was 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.
Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has been a strong supporter of the citrus industry and has proposed significant citrus funding in this year’s budget request.
This includes $8 million for citrus research projects, $7.4 million for citrus health and fighting pests and diseases, and $2.5 million to support the Citrus Inspection Trust Fund.
Fried also helped establish a state direct support agency to manage the new Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) program, which will plant 5,000 new acres of citrus groves using experimental techniques.
“Today’s forecast reflects the resilience of Florida’s citrus growers, dedication to the citrus industry, and commitment to innovation in the face of challenges,” said Fried.
“Citrus is Florida’s signature crop, and we’re committed to supporting our citrus producers with new research, technology, and techniques to fight the spread of citrus greening. Strengthening our citrus industry takes teamwork, and Florida Citrus Mutual has been essential in helping identify research funding and thinking outside the box to support and promote Florida-grown citrus.”
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