http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2009/10/19/daily9.html
Monday, October 19, 2009
USDA: Citrus production to drop
Orlando Business Journal
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting 136 million boxes of oranges for the 2009-10 growing season, a 16 percent drop.
Grapefruit also is expected to decrease to 19.8 million boxes, a 9 percent drop from 21.7 million boxes last growing season.
Even so, This is a solid number for Florida citrus growers. At 136 million boxes, we suspect the prices growers get for their fruit will increase and thats crucial to cover high production costs as they continue to battle serious diseases such as greening and canker, said Michael W. Sparks, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, a Lakeland-based citrus grower organization.
The Florida citrus industry creates $9 billion in annual economic impact and employs nearly 76,000 people.
