Orange Harvest Estimate Expands

WASHINGTON - Dec 11/06 - SNS -- Production of oranges in the United States is expected to total 8.12 million tons this season, up 3% from the October forecast but down 9% from last season's final utilization of 8.90 million tons, according to the USDA's latest crop report.

Florida's all orange forecast, at 140 million boxes (6.30 million tons), is up 4% from the previous forecast but down 5% from the 2005-06 hurricane-reduced crop. This forecast is 43% lower than Florida's record high utilization for the 1997-98 season of 244 million boxes.

Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 75.0 million boxes (3.38 million tons), up 4% from the previous forecast but unchanged from last season's final utilization. Beginning with the current season, Temple oranges are included in this category. Florida's Valencia forecast is 65.0 million boxes (2.93 million tons), up 3% from the October forecast but down 11% from last season's final utilization.

Average fruit sizes have increased and less fruit drop is now expected for all categories of oranges surveyed. Arizona, California, and Texas orange production forecasts are carried forward from October.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 2006-07 season is forecast at 1.58 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. This is unchanged from the previous forecast but down from the 2005-06 season's yield of 1.63 gallons, as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association.

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