U.S. Citrus Output Rises

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/05 - SNS -- There is a general increase in the expected size of this season's citrus crops in the United States, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Of the major types of citrus fruit grown, other than oranges and grapefruit, tangelos are the only crop where a smaller harvest is expected., Output of lemons, temples, and tangerines are expected to be well up over last year.

The initial forecast for the 2005-06 U.S. lemon crop, at 866,000 tons, is up 7% from last season. California production is forecast at 19.0 million boxes (722,000 tons), unchanged from the 2004-05 season. District I (Central Valley) harvest will begin late October or early November.

Harvest of new crop District II (South Coastal Area) lemons will not begin until late December or early January. Harvest of 2004-05 crop lemons continued with heavy competition from Chile and Mexico. Harvest has begun in District III (Desert region). Overall fruit quality is very good.

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