Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
The Florida citrus industry outlook for this year is a bit sour.
The USDA yesterday released a revised forecast for 2024 and it is less than anticipated.
Florida is expected to produce almost 21 million boxes of oranges and grapefruits this season.
That's one million boxes less than last month's prediction but it's better than last season that was unusually low because of Hurricane Ian.
Florida Citrus Mutual officials say while the harvest will be down from the previous year, the citrus farming advocacy organization is still bullish on the industry.
“While this month’s USDA citrus forecast shows a dip in production, optimism blooms among Florida citrus growers,” said Matt Joyner, CEO at Florida Citrus Mutual. “Growers are witnessing improved tree health and ‘snow white’ orange blossoms in the groves — a tell-tale sign that there’s hope for Florida’s citrus industry to make its great American comeback.”