INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Florida orange industry braces for a significant downturn in the upcoming 2024/25 season
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts a 16% drop in orange production.This decline will result in a harvest of just 15
million boxes, equivalent to 675,000 tons of oranges
greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB)
The USDA has yet to fully assess the damage caused by these storms
However, their impact will likely exacerbate the already challenging situation faced by orange farmers.USDA Predicts Steep Decline in
Florida Citrus Production for 2024/25
The USDA estimates that total orange production across the country will fall to 2.62 million tons in 2024/25
This figure represents a 5% decrease compared to the previous season.While oranges face difficulties, other crops in the U.S
Soybean production forecasts have been revised downward, although the harvest is still expected to reach record levels.In contrast, corn
production continues to rise, with the USDA projecting the second-largest corn harvest in U.S
far-reaching implications
They continue to explore new methods to combat diseases and improve crop yields
Research into disease-resistant orange varieties offers hope for the future of the industry.The situation in Florida serves as a reminder of
the complex interplay between agriculture, climate, and economics
