Texas Citrus Estimates Down from Last Season

Issue:  PR-104-08
Released:  January 11, 2008
For information contact:  Bret Holliman or Betty Johnson.

As of January 1, 2008, Texas grapefruit production is forecast at 6.6 million boxes for the 2007-2008 season, down 7 percent from last season’s 7.1 million boxes.

All orange production is estimated at 1.79 million boxes, down 10 percent from last season.  Early and mid-season oranges account for 1.4 million boxes and Valencias for 385,000 boxes.  The production of all oranges totaled 1.98 million boxes the previous season.

Grapefruit harvest was nearly complete and the fruit looked good.  The freeze in December had a slight impact on production.  By mid-December, citrus shipments were above average.

United States grapefruit production is forecast at 36.75 million boxes, down 4 percent from last season.  All orange production is forecast at 233.1 million boxes, up 32 percent from last season.