California Citrus Freeze Damage Update
A hard freeze in San Joaquin Valley in early December has some citrus packers estimating damage between 30-50% for the entire industry in the region, according to the Merced Sun Star.
"That is the range that is being discussed among packers," said Bob Blakely, director of industry relations for California Citrus Mutual in Exeter. "But we don't have a number that we are comfortable with yet."
Almost a dozen days of below freezing temperatures has caused significant damage, but industry officials do not yet want to put a specific percentage value on the damage until more of the Valley's $1.5 billion citrus crop can be examined. Over time, damaged fruit will dry out and become lighter, making it easier for specialized equipment to separate bad fruit.
San Joaquin Valley citrus packers are hiring extra workers and attempting to inspect and sort the fruit. If inspectors at the packinghouses find more than 15% damage in a single lot of fruit, it is rejected and must be repacked. Damaged fruit that cannot be packed will be sent to juicing plants, and growers will receive substantially less money in this case.
"We have seen some lots go to the juicing plants already," said Fred Rinder, Fresno County deputy agricultural commissioner.
Added costs and decreased supply could cause an increase in the price for oranges this year.
"The market will begin adjusting once it becomes apparent what the damage has been and if it tightens the supply of fruit," Blakely said. "We don't anticipate a big jump, but that is the tendency in the market when freezes happen."
We will give more updates as information becomes available.
Merced Sun Star
