Protecting America's Orchardists and Expect Higher Orange Juice Prices
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock introduced the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, which would reform the Tree Assistance Program, a critical disaster recovery program administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
TAP provides financial assistance to qualified orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by a natural disaster.
Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees.
www.gfb.org/media-and-publications/news.cms/2023/1536/warnock-bill-would-expand-tree-assistance-program
**The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s Food Price Index averaged 123.9 points in July, up 1.5 points, or 1.3%, from June.
However, it remains 16.6 points or 12% below its value in the corresponding month last year.
The July rebound was led by a solid rise in the vegetable oils price index and partially offset by a significant decline in sugar.
There were small decreases in the price index for cereals, dairy, and meat.
**Expect higher orange juice prices in the months ahead after a bacterial disease and harsh weather ravaged this
season’s crops.
Florida annually produces more than 90% of the country’s orange juice supplies.
Last year, Florida was hit by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, and freezing conditions, while producers also battled citrus greening disease.
Industry expectations say that U.S. production will reach its lowest point in more than 100 years.
