Statement By Commissioner Adam Putnam On Updated Citrus Crop Forecast

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated its citrus crop forecast for the 2015-2016 season:

“Although a slight uptick in the citrus crop forecast is sorely needed after years and years of bad news, Florida’s citrus production remains nearly 70 percent below the peak of the late 1990s. The long-term future of Florida citrus, and its $10 billion annual economic impact, depends on a breakthrough in the fight against greening.”

The USDA’s forecast of 81.1 million boxes of oranges, up from 76 million boxes last month, represents a decline of nearly 70 percent since the peak of production at 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.

This past legislative session, Commissioner Putnam helped secure more than $24 million in state funding to continue critical research and support Florida’s citrus industry.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services