U.S. Grapefruit Harvest Boosted

WASHINGTON - Jul 12/07 - SNS -- Production of citrus fruits other than oranges was slightly higher than last month on the basis of a larger grapefruit harvest, judging from the latest USDA crop production estimates.

The forecast of the 2006-07 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.60 million tons, 1% higher than the previous forecast and up 30% from last season's final utilization of 1.23 million tons. Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 27.2 million boxes (1.16 million tons), unchanged from last month but up 41% from last season's hurricane-reduced final utilization of 19.3 million boxes (820,000 tons).

The all white grapefruit forecast is 9.30 million boxes (395,000 tons), unchanged from June but 43% above last season's final utilization. The colored grapefruit forecast, at 17.9 million boxes (761,000 tons), is unchanged from last month but 40% above last season's utilization. Grapefruit harvest is virtually complete for the season. Administrative data show that 48% of the colored grapefruit crop was utilized for the fresh market while only 19% of white grapefruit was utilized fresh.

The July 1 Texas grapefruit forecast is 6.90 million boxes (276,000 tons), up 6% from the April forecast and 33% higher than last season's final utilization. The California grapefruit forecast, at 4.80 million boxes (161,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but 20% lower than last season's final utilization. Star Ruby grapefruit were being harvested for both domestic and export use. The extent of damage to the State's grapefruit crop due to the January freeze varied widely by variety and location. Arizona's forecast, at 100,000 boxes (3,000 tons), is unchanged from April and equal to last season's production.

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