Ag chief: State citrus industry needs help

Florida’s orange crop remained steady for a second consecutive month, while grapefruit production continues to fall, according to the latest monthly forecast from the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said in a release Tuesday that the latest citrus forecast further “illustrates that Florida’s citrus industry is on a precipice.” He added, “Florida is synonymous with citrus, and without immediate and tangible support, as well as a long-term solution, Florida is facing the prospect of losing its signature crop and its more than $10 billion economic impact.”

The Florida orange-harvest forecast for the 2015-2016 growing season remains at enough to fill an estimated 69 million 90-pound boxes.

The forecast is down 29 percent from the prior season’s output and remains on pace for the worst season for the industry since 1963-1964.

Meanwhile, grapefruit production is now forecast at enough to fill 10.5 million 90-pound boxes, down from 10.8 million boxes in January.

Putnam has been working with farmers and lawmakers to help the industry through proposals that would include a cost-sharing program for the removal or destruction of abandoned citrus groves as a way to eliminate material that harbors the deadly disease citrus greening.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced it would provide $20 million for university research in the fight against citrus greening.