Oranges Up 720,000 Boxes From April to 12.92 Million
BARTOW, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its final citrus crop forecast for the 2025-2026 harvest season on July 10. Growers are expected to harvest 12.92 million boxes of oranges, 1.350 million boxes of grapefruit, and 460,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos.
This forecast reflects an increase of 720,000 boxes of oranges since April and nearly 1 million (920,000) boxes since January. It also shows an increase of 100,000 boxes of grapefruit and 10,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos since the April estimate. In April, USDA projected 12.2 million boxes of oranges, 1.25 million boxes of grapefruit, and 450,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos, making the latest forecast another encouraging sign of Florida citrus’s continued recovery.
“Growers have been working toward a time such as this, when citrus production is on the upswing. This final citrus crop estimate of the season is exciting to see, and it’s encouraging to end a season marked by historic freezing on a positive note,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This progress is a testament to the perseverance of our state’s citrus growers, the dedication of researchers, and the commitment of our state and federal leaders for championing this industry and investing in the tools driving its revitalization. Florida’s citrus growers remain focused on carrying this momentum forward into next year’s harvest season.”
Production was on decline due to the industry’s 20-year battle with citrus greening disease, which is spread statewide by the invasive pest known as the Asian citrus psyllid. Pressure from hurricanes and freezes has further impacted production. Florida citrus growers throughout the 2025-2026 citrus harvest season reported improved tree health and fruit quality in their groves.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Legislature’s budget for the 2026-2027 state fiscal year on Monday, June 29. The nearly $196 million investment in Florida’s citrus industry, which went into effect on July 1, will support research, field trials, nursery and packing equipment infrastructure and marketing initiatives.
A recent markup of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill) passed the Committee on Agriculture of the U.S. House of Representatives. There is optimism the Bill will be approved by the full House and Senate before the current extension expires in September.
Florida Citrus Mutual is working alongside state and federal partners to secure meaningful disaster relief to address the estimated $675 million in citrus losses from the January and February freezes.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual