Little Change in Total Citrus Estimate

WASHINGTON - Jul 10/09 - SNS -- Citrus fruit production is little changed from last month, though the USDA now expects this year's orange crop to be larger and grapefruit smaller than initially thought, according to the USDA's latest crop report.

The forecast of the 2008-09 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.29 million tons, down 3% from the June forecast and 17% lower than the 2007-08 final utilization of 1.55 million tons. All four estimating States showed a decrease from the previous forecast.

Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 21.7 million boxes (923,000 tons), slightly lower than the June forecast and 18% below last season.

The Florida all white grapefruit forecast is 6.60 million boxes (281,000 tons), down 1% from June and down 27% from the 2007-08 final utilization. The colored grapefruit forecast, at 15.1 million boxes (642,000 tons), is unchanged from the June forecast but 14% lower than last season. Grapefruit harvest in Florida was virtually complete with 99% of the rows harvested.

In Texas, grapefruit production is forecast at 5.60 million boxes (224,000 tons), 10% lower than the previous forecast and down 8% from last season. Grapefruit harvest was complete in Texas. The California grapefruit forecast is 4.30 million boxes (144,000 tons), down 2% from the previous forecast and 17% lower than last season. At the end of June, harvest transitioned from the Star Ruby variety to the Marsh Ruby variety in the coastal region. Grapefruit production in Arizona is forecast at 70,000 boxes, down 53% from the previous forecast and 30% less than last season. Many grapefruit were left unharvested in Arizona due to low demand.

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