USDA Maintains Citrus Forecast

WASHINGTON - Dec 11/07 - SNS -- Citrus fruit production estimates for the United States were left unchanged from the USDA's October forecasts in the federal department's latest crop report.

Production of all type of oranges in the United States remains at 228.1 million boxes, while this year's grapefruit crop was unchanged at 1.49 million tons, down 5% from 2006-07 final utilization of 1.58 million tons.

Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 25.0 million boxes (1.06 million tons), unchanged from the October forecast but 8% below last season. With the exception of the hurricane-reduced 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, this grapefruit crop is forecast to be the lowest since the 1949-50 season's 24.2 million boxes.

The Florida all white grapefruit forecast is 8.00 million boxes (340,000 tons), down 11% from the October 1 forecast and 14% below last season's final utilization. The rate of fruit growth of white grapefruit has slowed since October and droppage has increased, indicating a reduced crop. Average fruit size is projected to be the smallest on record dating back to the 1968-69 season.

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