Citrus Fruit Output Advancing Over 2002-03

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/04 - SNS -- Citrus fruit production in the United States is up slightly from last year, with gains in tangerine, temples and grapefruit offsetting declines in lemon and tangelo output.

As is the case with oranges, the latest crop production estimates for the 2003-04 season are down from earlier estimates developed by the USDA.

The U.S. grapefruit forecast is 2.09 million tons, down 2% from the previous forecast but 1% above last season's final utilization. Florida's grapefruit forecast, at 40.0 million boxes (1.70 million tons), is 2% lower than the December forecast but 3% above last season's final utilization.

The white grapefruit forecast is reduced by 1 million boxes to 16.0 million boxes (680,000 tons), down 6% from the December forecast and 1% below last season. The above average rate of growth observed earlier this season has slowed and is now below average. As a result, fruit size is expected to be smaller than previously estimated. Fruit droppage is expected to be average.

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