MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Citrus production in Florida is down, according to a new report.
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The United States Department of Agriculture suggests Florida could produce enough oranges to fill 12 million 90-pound boxes.
That is around 3 million less than what was expected.
Read: Florida has lost nearly 20% of land used for growing citrus since last year
Storm damage from Hurricane Milton is listed as one of the major factors leading to the lower crop forecast.
Last year, the industry produced 18 million boxes.
Read: Florida farmers face ‘unprecedented financial strain’ after Hurricane Milton
“It’s a signature crop for Florida, we’re going to be investing very heavily on that, and we’re going to be running to that fight,” said state Sen. Ben Albritton.
The new forecast reduced expected production for grapefruit and specialty crops as well.
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