BARTOW, Fla. (RFD News) — Florida citrus producers are optimistic about the season ahead, with fresh fruit harvest expected to begin around the end of September or early October.
Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, says conditions have improved after a delayed start to the state’s rainy season.
“We’re pretty optimistic about how we think this season’s going to shape up. We’ve had finally gotten some rain. Our rainy season was a little bit delayed. Florida’s 90 percent processed oranges, and then we’ve got our fresh fruit segment makes up about the other 10 percent of our crop.”
Joyner says Florida citrus production increased 7% to 8% last season, with the industry looking to build on that growth.
Florida growers are also getting some friendly competition from their counterparts in Texas. Texas Citrus Mutual President Dale Murden recently spoke with RFD-TV about the state’s citrus crop.
“Sweeter, redder, better. Everybody loves it. Everybody recognizes it, and I think they’re glad to see us back fighting our way through some of the obstacles we’ve been fighting our way through.”
When asked whether Florida might have something to say about that, Murden replied, “They know ours is better.”
Joyner had a response of his own.
“We’ll let Murden indulge in his fantasies out there in Texas. Everybody knows that Florida grapefruit in particular is renowned worldwide, and so he can say all he wants about that Texas grapefruit, but we’re going to kick his butt this season.”
Joyner says Florida’s substantial rainfall throughout the year remains an advantage over citrus-growing regions like Texas and California.
