USA
The USDA’s forecast on production from Florida’s 2022/23 orange crop is 16.1 million boxes. If realized, this will be 61% less than last season’s final production. Current fruit size for Valencia is below the minimum and is projected to be below the minimum at harvest, requiring 277 pieces to fill a 90lb box. Current drop page is above the maximum and projected to be above the maximum at harvest. Harvest of Valencia oranges is still in the early stages.
The significant decrease in Florida’s production this year is due to damage from hurricane Ian which hit the citrus belt at the end of September 2022.With the added hinderance of citrus greening, the fruit drop is incredibly high at the moment with Valencia’s at 64% and non-Valencia’s at 76%.