California Business Minute™

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Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

California's navel orange crop will be larger this year, but the US Department
of Agriculture, USDA's early estimate is in question.

The initial 2009-10 crop forecast released by USDA National Agricultural
Statistics Service, NASS showed that 1.5 million tons will be harvested in
the 2009-10 harvest season.  California growers and industry leaders believe
that the estimate is too high because NASS included blood oranges and Cara
Cara varieties.  For those not familiar with this variety a Cara Cara orange
is a special cultivar of a navel orange which is distinguished by its rosy
flesh and is juicy, low in acid and also seedless. 

Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual, said in an article to the
Capital Press that 3,000 to 4,000 acres of specialty oranges should not be
included in the estimate. He also said the service did not take into account
other factors.

The Sept. 11 survey also showed the average fruit set per tree is below average,
but 45 percent higher than last year's record low set. Navel sizes are average
and quality is expected to be good. Let's hope for real good!

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.