Overview of Mechanical Harvesting in Florida Citrus

Florida produces more citrus than all other states in the United States. In 1999, the total bearing area was estimated at 315,900 ha, and 245,000 ha were oranges (Anon, 2000). Recently, oranges averaged 77% of the total production and about 95% were processed. Orange production is projected to increase unless US weather, disease, labor, or economic forces act to depress production (Anon, 1993). Worldwide production and price competition in processed oranges are projected to decrease US grower returns, as free-trade conditions progress.

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