Citrus Australia has forecast a 12% rise for Navel orange production in 2013, while the season is set to be the first where more mandarins are grown in the southern states than in Queensland.

The national crop forecast estimated 229,500 metric tons (MT) worth of Navels for the year, which is still 20% down on the record year of 2009. It said climatic conditions have been mild and overall quality was expected to be good.

"Fruit size will return to average and a large volume of fruit will be in the preferred size range of 72-88 counts," the report said.

"An increase in volume of late season navels in South Australia is attributed to large plantings in the mid to late 2000s having now reached full production.

"In contrast, late navel plantings in other regions were harvested very late in the 2012 season which reduced flowering and subsequently yields in 2013 will be lighter."

The association predicted a 4% rise in mandarin shipments to 104,000MT, despite the impacts of the Australia Day weekend floods in Queensland.

"Minor skin blemishes are expected to increase the percentage of second grade fruit from Queensland as growers continue to feel the impact of the floods.

"The 2013 season is predicted to be the first in which a greater volume of mandarins will come from the southern regions of Australia than Queensland, as recently planted hectares of Afourer approach full production.

"Combined production from the Sunraysia and Riverland regions is predicted to reach 53,000 tonnes, compared to 46,000 tonnes from Queensland."

Valencia orange production is set to be up by around 12% at 235,000MT.

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