The CEO of Agricultural Productions and Markets, Fernando Miranda, and the CEO of the Agricultural Production Health, Valentin Almansa, met with the most representative organizations of the citrus industry to analyse the market situation and the evolution of the 2014-2015 campaign, given the concern there is about certain citrus species.
The outlook for this harvest is good and the production is expected to be high, nearly 6.5 million tonnes, in line with last season's harvest. Prices, however, have been below the average of the last three seasons. It is a good campaign for limes but its been difficult to market the Navelina oranges and the late clementines.
The impact of the high temperatures in autumn on the campaign, which have led to a greater concentration of supply at certain times and the overlap between varieties, has greatly influenced the prices. There has specially been a decrease in the trade of clementine, which has impacted its prices. The warm weather has also led to a decrease in consumption.
Citrus exports, mainly to third countries, have been good. In this context, Russia's ban on fruits and vegetables from the EU has boosted the sector's search for new alternatives and the exceptional withdrawal measures taken by the EU have been able to offset the loss of the Russian market.
In this regard Fernando Miranda recalled the importance of being able to market these crops as fruit and vegetables Producer Organizations, which are allowed to withdraw their supply to improve it and its prices. He also highlighted the role the inter-branch organizations, "which are an extraordinary tool to develop promotional actions in face of the general fall in consumption of citrus."
The CEO also told the sector that the Ministry wanted to be kept in the loop about the fruits and vegetables, particularly about citrus, as part of the regular meetings they have been having with the industry to complete and compare the available information.