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Forecasts dash citrus hope
Australia
Wednesday 23 April 2008
Victoria’s citrus growers face another year of below-average production, according to the latest crop forecasts. Drought, heat and low water allocations have slashed this year's expected tonnage by 23% from last season's drought-affected result.
Murray Valley growers, who picked 90,470 tons of navel oranges last year, can expect to harvest just 67,000 tons this season. Valencia oranges are forecast to yield 21% less than last year's 24,807 tons. It is also forecast that there will be a 41% cut to grapefruit production and a 44% drop in tangelos.
The only citrus likely to yield more than last year is mandarins, with a 30% rise to 8200 tons.
Murray Valley growers, who picked 90,470 tons of navel oranges last year, can expect to harvest just 67,000 tons this season. Valencia oranges are forecast to yield 21% less than last year's 24,807 tons. It is also forecast that there will be a 41% cut to grapefruit production and a 44% drop in tangelos.
The only citrus likely to yield more than last year is mandarins, with a 30% rise to 8200 tons.
