USDA releases first citrus crop forecast for 2026-2027 season with new production estimates for Florida growers

Bartow, Florida – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its first citrus production forecast for the 2026-2027 growing season, providing an early estimate of how many oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines Florida growers are expected to produce during the coming harvest.

According to the figures announced in Bartow, Florida, the USDA expects the state’s orange production to reach 10 million boxes, with each box weighing 90 pounds. Grapefruit production is projected at 1.3 million boxes weighing 85 pounds each, while tangerine production is estimated at 450,000 boxes weighing 95 pounds each.

The report marks the beginning of the federal government’s citrus crop forecasting for the new season. It provides growers, industry representatives, and others involved in Florida’s citrus business with an initial picture of expected production.

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Oranges account for the largest share of the projected harvest, with the forecast calling for substantially more orange boxes than grapefruit and tangerine boxes combined. The figures also show the different quantities expected across the three citrus categories included in the announcement.

The Florida Department of Citrus responded to the USDA’s first forecast by emphasizing the determination of growers and the importance of continued research and investment in the industry.

“The tenacity and grit of Florida Citrus growers cannot be overstated,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “The faith of a farmer is nothing to mess around with. In partnership with our best-in-class research community, Florida Citrus remains a significant economic driver in the state of Florida and well-positioned for future investment.”

The department’s statement highlights the role that farmers and researchers continue to play in supporting Florida’s citrus industry. The agency also pointed to the industry’s economic importance and its potential to attract future investment.

Florida citrus remains a major part of the state’s agricultural economy. According to the Florida Department of Citrus, the industry contributes approximately $6 billion to Florida’s economy, demonstrating its importance beyond the farms where citrus fruit is grown.

The Florida Department of Citrus is a state government agency responsible for marketing, regulation, and research related to the citrus industry. Its work includes efforts to support consumer demand for Florida citrus products and promote the industry’s long-term sustainability.

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The agency has operated with financial support from Florida citrus growers since 1935. Under this system, growers tax themselves to help fund programs intended to strengthen demand for their products and support the economic well-being of farmers, the broader citrus industry, and Florida.

The newly released USDA figures serve as the first production estimates for the 2026-2027 season. They establish an initial outlook for Florida’s orange, grapefruit, and tangerine harvests as the state’s citrus industry moves into another growing season.

For now, the forecast provides a starting point for assessing the upcoming crop, while Florida growers and industry officials continue their work to maintain the state’s long-standing citrus production industry.