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Ugly Update For Florida Citrus Crop

Avatar for Paul Rusnak By Paul Rusnak|November 10, 2015

Last month’s 2015-2016 Florida orange forecast kickoff from USDA was one to remember, but not in a good way. The paltry 80 million boxes total, if realized, would be one for the record books. But, just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, along comes November. This month’s update adds insult to injury coming in at 74 million boxes.

The November orange forecast consists of: 37 million boxes of early, midseason, Navel, and Temple varieties; plus 37 million boxes of Valencias.

“The lower estimate is a stark reminder that the Florida citrus industry is in the fight of its life,” said Mike Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “It also shows how desperately we need more trees in the ground to help maintain the existing infrastructure.Therefore, we are asking Congress to support a tax measure put forth last week by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-16) that would incentivize growers to plant more citrus trees.”

The overall grapefruit estimate came in at 12.2 million boxes. This was down slightly from last month’s 12.3 million boxes.

Monthly updates from USDA will continue through July.

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The next update from USDA is scheduled for December 9.

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Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor for Meister Media Worldwide's Specialty Crops Division, which consists of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.

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Avatar for Jim Jim says:
November 10, 2015 at 9:34 pm

I doubt anyone will see this post due to the amount of time elapsed since this article came out, but here goes anyway.
I have very indepth experience with one of the “steam” machines for treatment of Greening Disease. Having been intimately involved with the fabrication, field testing and operation of it. I have over forty years experience in Fl. row crop and plasticulture, with ten years in design and sales of row crop, plasticulture equipment. Many times I use extremely simple, sometimes primitive means of solving daunting and complex problems. But it works. Shortly after I became involved with the steam machine I realized that I could find a relatively cheap and simple solution to this Greening dilemma. But I was not the head cowboy at this rodeo. I had a more pressing problem. Keeping the power and water turned on, and finding something to eat. The current versions are way over thunk and way too costly to be a widespread, viable answer.

I can build a cost effective machine that every grower could afford to purchase, own and operate. The university says that the steam treatment works. My design would also benefit other aspects of the growing environment.

And yes, it is feasible to treat every citrus tree in the State of Florida, and have the capability to re-treat every third year.
I ask, which would cost more, treat the current producing trees and retreat periodically, replant with unproven varieties, or KISS IT ALL goodbye?

As a person above pointed out so precisely, its money, market, and grants, or the potential loss of them that is guiding the incorrect conventional “wisdom” with regard to this problem.

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Avatar for Ken Brown, President BIOSYS Corp. Ken Brown, President BIOSYS Corp. says:
November 17, 2015 at 8:45 am

Thanks Jim, it is people like yourself that will eventually save this citrus industry and the small grove owner, keep up the good work as it is always great to know that the “good ole American ingenuity” still lives and thrives in Florida……

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