Mandarins on the Ground: What’s Really Happening in California Citrus?

In today’s episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly breaks down one of the most pressing issues facing California citrus growers this season: the unexpected surge in mandarin fruit drop.

With a lighter crop already forecasted, above‑average rain, persistent fog, and rising fungal pressure have created a perfect storm in the groves — and growers across the Northern Central Valley are feeling the impact. Patrick unpacks the science, the weather patterns, the market implications, and the real‑world decisions growers are making right now to protect their operations.

From Fungal stress to delayed harvest windows, from packout concerns to pricing shifts, this episode gives you a clear, grounded look at what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what the industry needs to prepare for as the 2025–26 season unfolds.

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