BARTOW, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued its first citrus crop forecast of the 2025-2026 harvest season on January 12. The agency projects Florida will produce 12 million boxes of oranges, down 2 percent from last season’s production; 1.2 million boxes of grapefruit, down 8 percent from last year; and 400,000 boxes of tangerines and tangelos this season.
“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making a real difference. With more time and good weather, we’re optimistic we’ll continue to see signs of hope for the future of Florida’s signature crop.”
Florida’s state fiscal year began on July 1, 2025. With it came nearly $140 million in state funds to support Florida’s iconic citrus industry. Of that total, more than $100 million was designated for research, field trials and planting disease-resistance varieties, aiming to bolster citrus production and revitalize the Sunshine State’s citrus industry.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual