Orange Harvest Drops 25%

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/05 - SNS -- Total production of oranges across the 2004-05 season is now forecast at 9.65 million tons, down 3% from the previous forecast and 25% below last season's final utilization, according to the USDA.

Florida's all orange forecast, at 162 million boxes (7.29 million tons), is down 4% from the December forecast and 33% below the 2003-04 season. The production of early and midseason varieties is reduced 2 million boxes, to 84.0 million boxes (3.78 million tons), 2% less than the December forecast.

The fruit drop rate at 18% is the second highest since 1960 with average fruit size the smallest since the 2000-01 season. Florida's early-mids harvest started late because of the smaller crop and lagging maturity level. Approximately 60% of the crop remains to be harvested.

The Valencia forecast is decreased 4 million boxes to 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons), down 5% from the previous forecast. Florida's Valencia average drop rate is projected to reach 20% and average fruit size continues to be one of the smallest in the last 20 years.

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