California citrus acreage static since 2022, report says

The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA-NASS) estimated California’s total citrus acreage at 266,300. 

The report published at the beginning of August reflects the Golden State’s unchanging citrus footprint, which has remained virtually static over recent seasons, growing by just 200 acres in the last four years.

Based on data collected from roughly 4,300 state citrus growers, official estimates show bearing acreage hovering consistently around current levels, with previous totals recorded at 266,100 acres in 2022/23 and 266,200 acres in 2023/24.

California citrus by county and category 

While overall acreage figures show stability, performance varies significantly across major crop categories.

Navel oranges represent the largest sector at 110,000 bearing acres, remaining unchanged from the 2023/24 figures. Tangerines and mandarins also held steady from the previous reporting cycle, with producers reporting 68,000 bearing acres, positioning the category as the second-largest. 

Meanwhile, lemons showed a slight expansion, rising 1.8 percent to 54,000 bearing acres. 

Valencia oranges and grapefruit declined slightly year on year, with the former decreasing from 25,500 acres to 25,000, and the latter sitting at 9,300 acres, 400 fewer than last year. 

When it comes to acreage distribution, regional production continues to be heavily concentrated in California’s Central Valley, with Tulare and Kern counties representing approximately 63 percent of the state’s total bearing citrus area.

Tulare County remains the epicenter of the industry, leading in acreage across every major category. The area accounts for 62,600 acres of Navel oranges, 26,900 acres of mandarins, 10,500 acres of lemons, 11,100 acres of Valencias, 1,500 acres of grapefruit, and 1,300 acres of pummelos and hybrids in the county.

Meanwhile, Kern County follows as the second largest hub, accounting for more than 23,600 acres of Navels, 22,100 acres of mandarins, 4,800 acres of lemons, 3,700 acres of Valencias, 1,000 acres of grapefruit, and 200 acres of pummelos.

*All images are referential via Shutterstock. 

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