Florida orange production expected to plunge

MIAMI, Oct 12 (AFP) - Florida's orange production is expected to plunge 27 percent from a year ago in the wake of four hurricanes that lashed the state in August and September, the US Agriculture Department said Tuesday.
The state, which accounts for 40 percent of orange juice consumed worldwide, can be expected to lose more ground to Brazil, which produces 45 percent of the world's orange juice.
The foreceast "is a hurricane reduced 176.0 million boxes. ... The forecast is 66 million boxes or 27 percent less than last season's near record 242.0 million boxes," the USDA said in a statement.
Grapefruit also took a beating and output was expected to total 15 million boxes this year compared to 40.9 million in 2003-2004.
"If realized, this forecast will be 63 percent less than last season's production," the USDA added.