Grapefruits Helps Lower Citrus Output

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/05 - SNS -- This season's citrus fruit production estimates remain well down in the United States on account of poor orange and grapefruit harvests , according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

The U.S. grapefruit forecast is 991,000 tons, down 1% from the previous forecast and 54% below last season's final utilization. Florida's grapefruit forecast, at 12.8 million boxes (545,000 tons), is down 2% from May and 69% below last season's final utilization. Harvest is virtually complete.

The white grapefruit forecast is 3.40 million boxes (145,000 tons), down 3% from May and 79% below last season. The colored grapefruit forecast, at 9.40 million boxes (400,000 tons), is down 1% from May 1 and 62% below last season's final utilization.

Results of the row count survey indicate almost 10% of white and 7% colored grapefruit rows remain to be harvested. It is expected that some colored grapefruit will continue to be picked for fresh squeezed juice, while the remaining white grapefruit are not expected to be harvested. Arizona, California, and Texas forecasts are carried forward from April.

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