Florida’s orange production will rebound by 30% to 20.5 million boxes for the 2024 season opener, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In the grain and crop report on January 12, 2024, USDA predicted increases for all three major citrus fruits including grapefruit and lemon. 

The rebound draws from reigning fair winter weather in the U.S.’ south and a lessening grip of “citrus greening” disease on groves.

This comes after a poor 2023 harvest, the worst in 90 years, owing to citrus disease and Hurricane Ian’s destruction.

In summer 2021 and 2022 seasons, Florida led national orange production with 52.95 million boxes and 41.2 million boxes respectively. However, in the summer hurricane season between June and July 2023, Florida trailed California in production numbers. 

The southern state produced 15.75 million boxes in June 2023 to California’s 45.1 million. This scenario continued in July when there were 15.85 million boxes from Florida against 44 million from California.

Hence, USDA’s new estimates have touched citrus farmers of the Sunshine State who have welcomed the 30% improvement with glee. 

The NASS-USDA forecast puts the December 2023 Florida orange production at 20.5 million boxes similar to January 2024’s. California will however still lead January production at 45.8 million boxes.

For Florida, the extra 4.65 million boxes in January 2024, above those of the July 2023 season indicates improving weather. Matt Joyner, Executive VP and CEO at Florida Citrus Manual echoes this view, especially since the “winter has been good.”

Local citrus growers with Citrus Manual on their part are witnessing healthier trees than they have seen since Hurricane Ian. This is despite some orange groves being empty this season after farmers gave them up after storm damage.

Florida produces a variety of oranges that include Valencia and Non-Valencia types. The Valencias will be more in January 2024, at 13 million boxes, while the Non-Valencias will garner 7.5 million boxes.

Other citrus fruits that complement Florida’s orange production include grapefruit and lemon. Grapefruit production fell in 2023 but will pick to 2.4 million boxes for the December 2023-January 2024 estimates, apiece.

Lemon production will also rebound to 1.5 million boxes for December 2023 and 0.9 million boxes for January 2024.