The 1996-97 California Navel orange forecast is 86.0 million cartons, unchanged from April, but up 13 percent from last season. Harvest was completed in early June. Quality throughout the season was excellent with very large fruit size. The July Valencia orange forecast is 56.0 million cartons, unchanged from both April and last year. Picking of oranges is active throughout the State, although approximately one-half the crop has been harvested.
Quality is above average.
The 1996-97 California grapefruit production forecast is 18.4 million cartons, unchanged from the last forecast but 14 percent above last season. The 1996-97 harvest is about 75 percent completed. Harvest is nearly complete in the desert area, but continues in areas farther north. Fruit size is small this year, while color and taste qualities are excellent. Grades throughout the State have been fair to very good.