Drew Dixon
After beginning the year with a bleak outlook, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) citrus harvest projections for Florida have been steadily getting better.
The USDA published a revised citrus forecast that projects11.63 million boxes of oranges will be harvested this growing season, along with 1.3 million boxes of grapefruit and 400,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos.
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton blasted Florida in the Fall, citrus forecasters tempered their outlook. Analysts then expected only 11.5 million boxes of oranges to be harvested this year, along with 1.1 million boxes of grapefruit and 350,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos.
But the outlook has steadily improved since then.
“Every day, I hear from Florida citrus growers who are seeing healthier trees thanks to the tools they’re using to fight citrus greening and recover from hurricanes. This month’s upward momentum reflects growers’ relentless efforts to bring a crop to market and preserve family-run operations that have sustained the industry for generations,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO at Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM).
Florida Citrus Mutual officials say they’re even more encouraged as the Legislature took measures to better protect citrus growers during this year’s Session in Tallahassee.
“The Florida Senate and House have proposed differing budget allocations for the state’s citrus industry. The two chambers are negotiating to approve a budget for the 2025-26 state fiscal year, which will take effect on July 1. The outcome will determine the funding for citrus initiatives, including research, grove management and replanting efforts,” a Citrus Mutual news release said Monday.
Citrus growers are also optimistic about federal help. On April 22, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, announced the introduction of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act in the Senate. The legislation proposes adjusting the standard identity of orange juice from 10.5% weight of soluble solids to 10%, which supporters say will strengthen the domestic supply of Florida’s orange juice without affecting its quality, taste or nutrition.
“The Act’s passage could deliver significant benefits to the industry, offering greater flexibility to utilize our domestic product and reducing reliance on foreign imports for U.S. citrus to reclaim a competitive advantage. FCM has advocated for this change since 2022,” the Citrus Mutual news release said.
