Modest Gain in Citrus Crop Size

WASHINGTON - Jun 9/06 - SNS -- The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2005-06 season is 8.96 million tons, unchanged from the May 1 forecast but 3% below last season's final utilization, according to the latest crop production estimates from the USDA.

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. Harvest of the early, midseason, and navel varieties is complete.

Florida's Valencia forecast is 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons), unchanged from the May 1 forecast but 10% above last season's final utilization. The row count survey conducted May 31-June 1 shows approximately 70% of the Valencia rows have been harvested. This is the lowest% harvested to this point in over 10 seasons. 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 1.63 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, is increased from the 1.62 gallons estimated last month and 1.58 gallons last season, as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association.

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