The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its forecast for the upcoming 2022/2023 orange season, revealing a significant decrease in production compared to the previous year. The report shows that the fully orange forecast for the season is 2.57 million tonnes, down 2% from the previous forecast and an impressive 25% drop from the revised production of the 2021-2022 season.

According to the report, Florida's orange forecast remains unchanged from the previous forecast, with 16.1 million boxes (725,000 tons) forecast for the season. However, this is a steep 61% decline from last season's revised production. The early, mid-season and Navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 6.10 million boxes (275,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 67 percent below last season's revised production. While Florida's Valencia orange forecast is 10.0 million boxes (450,000 tons), the same as the previous forecast but 56% below last season's revised production.

California's all-orange forecast is expected to be 45.1 million cases (1.80 million tons), down 2 percent from the previous forecast but up 15 percent from last season's revised production. California Navel orange forecast is 37.0 million boxes (1.48 million tons), down 3 percent from the previous forecast but up 17 percent from last season's revised production. California Valencia's orange forecast is 8.10 million boxes (324,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 7 percent above last season's revised production.

Finally, the forecast for all of Texas oranges is 1.05 million boxes (45,000 tons), down 9 percent from the previous forecast but a significant increase from last season's revised production.

The USDA report suggests that the decline in orange production is due to several factors, including weather conditions, diseases affecting citrus trees, and market factors. The report also notes that orange prices are expected to rise due to the drop in production, which may impact consumer prices of orange products.

In conclusion, the USDA's forecast for the 2022-2023 orange season reveals a significant decline in production in the United States, with Florida experiencing the most significant drop. The report highlights the potential impact on consumer prices, with orange prices expected to rise due to falling production.

Source: Agrolink