The USDA’s deputy chief economist says that orange production could be down 11 percent this year.
“The U.S. orange production for the 2020-2021 season is forecast at 4.6 million tons, both Valencia and non-Valencia varieties are forecast down,” Dr. Cindy Nickerson said. “This is largely due to low fruit counts in Florida, that’s the biggest driver, but there’s also a decline in acreage.”
She says that citrus greening disease has been a factor contributing to that decline in acreage.