This year, the final USDA report of the 2014-15 growing season for Florida orange production is at 96.7 million boxes. Florida grapefruit production came in at 12.95 million 90-pound boxes.
The Florida citrus industry has been steadily less able to fend off a decrease in agricultural land from development and losses from the spread of citrus diseases. The Sunshine State’s orange production has declined more than 60 percent since a peak of 244 million boxes in the 1997-1998 season.
“The 2014-2015 citrus season represents a new low for Florida’s citrus industry and our state’s signature crop,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who grew up in Polk County’s citrus industry. “We cannot overstate the challenges facing Florida citrus.”
Greg Karlson, a broker with ERA Advantage Realty sold off 5 more orange groves in just this week destined for development.
Millet (Moderator 's Note: - Florida if you find anything green and living hurry up and put it under asphalt)
Topic: Final 2014 -2015 Florida Citrus Growing Report (Read 939 times)