The voluntary regularization process of illegal Orri mandarin plantations has already resulted in the removal of around 31,168 trees in Spain.
As for the trees which have yet to be regularised voluntarily, so far more than 38,000 have been detected in Spain. Legal action will be taken against those producers, since their cultivation is an illegal act that could constitute an infringement of the industrial property rights. Offenders can consequently face the removal of the illegal Orri trees, the payment of compensations for damages and potentially also criminal liability.
The first of these legal actions is directed against those who are civilly or criminally responsible for the illegal exploitation of Orri mandarins. Furthermore, the Orri Running Committee (ORC) continues to inspect productions and farms to detect more irregular plantations.
No plans to increase the number of licensed trees
The ORC, which brings together more than 390 producers of Orri mandarins, has stressed that there are currently no plans to increase the quota of licensed trees of the variety in Spain and Portugal, set for both countries at 1.3 million trees. Currently, and in its first season, it is already the best paid mandarin in the market. After its regularization, it has broken records at origin (0.8-1.1 Euro/kg) and destination (3.6 Euro/kg on average). Their demand is increasing; this season, 26,000 tonnes (tm) will be marketed and generate around 94 million Euro in turnover.