Citrus Crop Exceeds Expectations

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- Citrus crops in the United States continue to develop at a better than expected pace,m resulting in another increase the estimated size of this year's crop, according to the latest USDA crop report.

The forecast of the 2007-08 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.57 million tons, up 1% from the June 1 forecast but 4% lower than the previous season. Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 26.6 million boxes (1.13 million tons), virtually unchanged from the June forecast but 2% below last season.

The all white grapefruit forecast is 9.00 million boxes (383,000 tons), unchanged from June's forecast but 3% below last season's final utilization. Florida's colored grapefruit forecast, at 17.6 million boxes (748,000 tons), is up 1% from the June forecast but 2% below the 2006-07 final utilization. Grapefruit harvest in Florida was virtually complete with 97% of the rows being harvested this season.

In Texas, grapefruit production is forecast at 6.10 million boxes (244,000 tons), down 5% from the April 1 forecast and 14% lower than last season. Grapefruit harvest was complete in Texas. California's grapefruit forecast is 5.60 million boxes, up 12% from the previous forecast and 2% higher than the 2006-07 season. Harvest of Star Ruby grapefruit was half over and expected to continue throughout July. In Arizona, grapefruit production is forecast at 100,000 boxes (3,000 tons), down 33% from the April 1 forecast but unchanged from last season. Many grapefruit were left unharvested due to low demand.

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