No Change in U.S. Orange Forecast

WASHINGTON - May 12/06 - SNS -- The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2005-06 season is 8.96 million tons, unchanged from the April 1 forecast but 3% below last season's final utilization, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Florida's all orange forecast, at 153 million boxes (6.89 million tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but 2% above the 2004-05 utilization. Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 75.0 million boxes (3.38 million tons), unchanged from last month but 5% below the previous season.

Florida's Valencia forecast is 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons), unchanged from the April forecast but 10% above last season's revised final utilization. The row count survey conducted May 1-2 shows 46% of the Valencia rows have been harvested. Arizona, California, and Texas orange production forecasts are carried forward from April 1.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 2005-06 season, at 1.62 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, is increased from the 1.61 gallons estimated last month and the 1.58 gallons last season, as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association.

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