Recent Weather Has Affected San Joaquin Valley Citrus

In early December, the San Joaquin Valley citrus industry was hit with seven consecutive nights of subfreezing temperatures. The event may have concluded in mid-December, but the industry's battle against Mother Nature continued through early January.

SJV citrus growers said that continuous cold mornings have required extensive use of frost-protection devices. Mandarin producers used wind machines for at least five hours per night in order to raise grove temperatures following the freeze event. The more cold-tolerant Navel variety incurred less damage, although producers ran wind machines an average of 20 hours in the days following the main freeze event.

In summary, California Citrus Mutual estimates that the Valley citrus growers have collectively spent $49 million to protect the 2013-14 crop.

Production in other major citrus-producing counties, such as Ventura, Riverside, Imperial and Monterey, has not been affected by cold temperatures season-to-date.

In the San Joaquin Valley, however, freeze damage has become evident.  Specifically, Kern County has seen a greater degree of damage than other areas in the valley. This is attributed to the early timing of the freeze event and the level of volume still on the trees at the time.

As was originally anticipated, a comprehensive industry survey reflects significant damage to the valley's Mandarin crop. At the time of the freeze, approximately 20 percent of the crop had been harvested.  It is estimated that throughout the valley, 40 percent of the remaining tree crop was lost due to freeze damage.  This equates to a loss of 4.7 million 40-pound cartons and $150 million in lost revenue.

The more freeze-tolerant Navel crop is estimated to have incurred a 30 percent loss due to freeze damage valley-wide, which equates to 22 million 40-pound cartons and $260 million in lost revenue.

California Citrus Mutual currently estimates that the valley citrus producers incurred approximately $441 million in lost revenue due to freeze damage.

Consumers can, however, expect a shorter season for California citrus. Currently, the industry expects to continue shipping fruit to the market place through mid-May vs. a traditional availability that extends into July.

"The California citrus industry is known for producing high quality fruit," he added, "and that is a reputation the industry is going to lengths to protect."

Here at Sunburst Oranges we want our customers to know that we still have sufficient supply to meet their needs with the highest quality citrus and we haven’t raised our prices.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

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Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500