The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released its first citrus crop forecast for the 2018-2019 season. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam’s statement is below:
“This citrus production forecast offers a glimmer of hope to Florida’s iconic citrus industry. For more than a decade, we’ve battled citrus greening and the industry most recently was dealt a devastating blow last year from Hurricane Irma.
“This estimated increase in production is the much-anticipated good news that Florida’s growers have hoped for. Much work remains, but the citrus industry is strong and here to stay.”
The USDA’s forecast today of 86.9 million boxes for the 2017-2019 season is up from the 49.58 million boxes harvested last season, a low number that accounts for Hurricane Irma-related damage. The peak of citrus production was 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
