Smaller Orange Crop in Brazil

WASHINGTON - Dec 20/06 - SNS -- Orange production in Brazil will slip this season from 437 to 430 million boxes, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Citrus growing states 'other than Sao Paulo' should contribute 90 million boxes, similar to current season, whereas production in the greater-Sao Paulo commercial area is forecast to reach 340 million boxes.

It is still too early to accurately forecast the crop which will be marketed in 2007-08 and more precise numbers will be available only in the second quarter of 2007, the agricultural attache noted.

Citrus groves have received adequate crop management, as a consequence of better prices paid by producers. The first blossoming occurred in August-September followed by a good one in October.

The intensity of blossoming is similar to last year, although the peak was delayed by a month (mid-October 2006 as opposed to mid-September in 2005). The blossoming is reported to be less uniform than previous year. A third blossoming could still potentially occur.

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