WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture in its May 10 Crop Production report forecast U.S. 2012-13 orange production at 8,597,000 tons (198 million boxes), unchanged from the April forecast and down 405,000 tons, or 5%, from 9,002,000 tons in 2011-12.
The U.S.D.A. forecast Florida orange production at 6,210,000 tons (138 million 90-lb boxes), unchanged from April and down 392,000 tons, or 6%, from 6,602,000 tons in 2011-12. The California crop was forecast at 2,320,000 tons (58 million 80-lb boxes), unchanged from the prior forecast and down 1% from 2,340,000 tons in 2011-12. Texas orange production was forecast at 67,000 tons, unchanged from the previous forecast and up 7,000 tons from 60,000 tons a year earlier.
Florida’s frozen concentrated orange juice yield was forecast at 1.60 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, down 1% from April and down 2% from last season’s final yield of 1.63 gallons, the U.S.D.A. said.
