U.S. Orange Industry Growing, Citrus Overall Still Contracting

(WASHINGTON, DC) U.S. citrus production this marketing year is rebounding from previous-year lows. The current citrus crop forecast of eight million tons for is up 31 percent from the previous season, reflecting expected expanded national production across all major citrus commodities, excluding lemons, and overall larger crops in the four major producing States. The rebound is expected to be greatest in Florida, recovering from crop losses caused by Hurricane Irma. Oranges are anticipated to have the largest year-over-year growth in national output, with increases of 42 percent while the grapefruit crop is expected to expand by 24 percent. However, only orange production is projected higher than the 2017 season, suggesting a continued long-term decline in other citrus varieties. Total citrus production still lags behind the levels reached earlier in the decade, when it exceeded 11 million tons. If the citrus production forecast is realized however, it would be the first year since 2011 that production hasn’t declined.