U.S. Orange Harvest Estimate Reduced

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/04 - SNS -- The USDA cut the estimated size of this season's orange harvest in the United States 1% from December to 13.5 million. However, the total remains 17% above last season's final utilization.

Florida's all orange forecast is 250 million boxes (11.3 million tons), down 1% from December but 23% above the 2002-03 crop. The early and mid-season varieties forecast is lowered 2 million boxes to 132 million boxes (5.94 million tons). Fruit droppage is higher and average size is smaller than the previous month's forecast.

The Valencia forecast is unchanged at 118 million boxes (5.31 million tons) but is 30% above last season. Fruit size continues to be above average but not as large as last season. Fruit droppage remains near the minimum of the previous 10 seasons.

The all orange forecast for California, at 58.0 million boxes (2.18 million tons), is 2% less than the October forecast and 6% lower than last season's final utilization. The Navel orange forecast is unchanged from October at 39.0 million boxes (1.46 million tons) but 5% below last season.

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