Citrus Production Expected To Grow In Coming Year

    The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued the first monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2023-2024 harvest season. The federal agency estimates production to be 20.5 million boxes of oranges this season. Additionally, the USDA forecasted 1.9 million boxes of grapefruit and 500,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos.
   "The promise of a comeback for Florida's citrus industry is on the horizon for the first time in a long time. Growers continue to see improvements in the groves–tree health is improving as a result of new therapies and the size of the fruit is larger and the quality is better than we've seen in recent years," said Matt Joyner, CEO at Florida Citrus Mutual. "We expect to continue to see the improving health of citrus trees and are confident the effects of treatments and disease-resistant varieties will be reflected in the data over time."
   Florida's 2023-2024 fiscal year began July 1, and with that came more than $65 million in funding from the Florida Legislature to support Florida citrus. This investment includes $38 million to support grower research and replanting of citrus trees.
   Florida Citrus Mutual continues to advocate for recovery funding from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Now, nearly a year since Congress allocated $3.7 billion dollars to assist producers impacted by natural disasters nationwide in 2022, Florida citrus growers have yet to receive relief funds for recovery and replanting efforts. Florida Citrus Mutual remains committed to working tirelessly to get relief into growers' hands.
   Florida Citrus Mutual continues to advocate for the passage of the Block Grant Assistance Act, legislation proposed by US Representative Scott Franklin in the House and US Senator Rick Scott in the Senate. The bill will provide the USDA secretary needed authority to release block grants to support Florida growers impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The bill passed in the House and is awaiting consideration in the Senate.
   Prior to the hurricanes of 2022, Florida's citrus groves were already struggling to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. Greening was introduced to Florida in 2005 by an invasive pest, the Asian citrus psyllid. Since 2005, citrus greening has spread to all commercial groves in Florida. Trees with greening decline in health over time, produce fewer, smaller fruits, and ultimately die. As a result, Florida’s citrus industry has been decimated by citrus greening.
   At its peak during the 1997-98 season, the citrus industry produced 244 million boxes of oranges. The USDA's October forecast for the 2023-2024 season represents just 8.4% of the industry's peak production.
   Founded in 1948 and currently representing nearly 2,000 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state's largest citrus grower organization. The Florida citrus industry creates a $6.8 billion annual economic impact, employing more than 33,000 people, and covering more than 400,000 acres. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com.