In the December USDA forecast of the 2022 – 2023 citrus season, the USDA projected production at 20 million boxes of Florida Oranges, 1.8 million boxes of Florida Grapefruit and 600,000 boxes of Florida Tangerines.
The crop forecast released on December 9, 2022, was a decrease from the previous forecast and is the first to reflect the impact of Hurricane Ian on the Florida Citrus industry.
Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus: “Florida citrus growers’ commitment to providing high-quality Florida Orange Juice remains strong as they work tirelessly to address the impacts of severe weather events and Citrus greening. The December crop forecast reflects the very real challenges that Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Nicole, and the ongoing impacts of Citrus greening have created for growers across the state, but we remain hopeful and motivated to secure the future of our industry.”
“Growers are focused on recovery and continue to invest in new tools to help rebuild. Florida Citrus growers are resilient. They have withstood centuries of extreme weather, and this hurricane season is no exception.”
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
