Castellon's citrus production volumes have dropped by around 30% during the 2006-2013 period; 39% being the Clemenules variety.
This was reported by the general secretary of La Unió (The Growers' Association), Ramón Mampell, in a press statement.
Mampell explained how mandarins represent 83% of Castellon's total citrus production, while oranges barely reach 17%.
Mid-season clementines account for almost three quarters of the mandarins total, and the Clemenules belongs to this group with around 64%. 57% is harvested in Castellon, from the total production of the Region of Valencia.
The province is also the sixth largest mandarin producer in the Mediterranean basin, with a harvest almost half as large as Morocco's.
According to data provided by the Region's Prices Observatory, the price of mandarins of the Clemenules variety has so far remained at slightly higher levels than in the previous two campaigns.
But the general secretary confirmed that the breakeven point has yet to be achieved, as Clemenules prices, according to official data, stand at around 0.26 Euro per kilo.
This campaign, only larger calibres were harvested, and thus plenty of fruit is left on the trees. Consequently, despite the better prices, citrus growers will obtain a lower income.
All in all, the campaign is developing at a good pace, and if everything goes on this way, there will be no Clemenules left to harvest in about 15 to 20 days.
Source: Efe