The latest USDA fruit outlook report outlines the lean year that was 2021 for domestic citrus supplies. According to the report, the 2021-22 citrus crop was forecast in March to be 6 million tons, down 13% from the previous year and now the smallest crop produced in more than 50 years. Citrus greening disease in Florida continues to significantly impair production, Winter Storm Uri reduced fruit set in Texas, while moderate decreases in California production contributed to the overall decline.

USDA says the March forecast of total utilized production of oranges will be below the levels observed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017-18. U.S. imports of fresh oranges for last seasons were up 36% compared to last year.

Read more on citrus production here.