Florida Citrus Mutual analysis shows things are looking up in 2026 for growers

Projections for the citrus harvest this year is an uptick from last year’s outlook.

Florida citrus growers are noticing optimism is in the air, according to industry analysts.

Florida Citrus Mutual officials say there’s reason for an upbeat outlook as citrus farmers across the state are set for a robust harvest season. A news release issued Monday by the Mutual noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is projecting a robust harvest season.

The USDA is now forecasting that 12 million boxes of oranges will be harvested in 2026. There’s also expected to be a solid bounty of grapefruit, with 1.2 million boxes of that fruit expected to be picked. Tangelos and tangerines are also expected to be plentiful, with approximately 400,000 boxes harvested.

While the numbers seem encouraging, Citrus Mutual officials said they expected the figures to be a bit higher. However, the USDA forecast remains encouraging.

“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis, and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.

“Innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making a real difference. With more time and good weather, we’re optimistic we’ll continue to see signs of hope for the future of Florida’s signature crop.”

While Joyner and other Florida citrus advocates might want the forecast to be a bit better, the latest projection is still better than last May’s forecast, which called for 11.5 million boxes of oranges to be harvested in 2025 and 1.1 million boxes of grapefruit to be picked. That projection was also about 50,000 boxes less than the current forecast for tangerines and tangelos.

Florida Citrus Mutual represents more than 1,500 grower members and is the state’s largest citrus grower organization. The Florida citrus industry creates a nearly $7 billion economic impact and employs more than 32,500 people across the state, working more than 208,000 acres.