Lemon production in California is currently centered in the desert region, with the Central Valley preparing to start in the new year. Suppliers have noted that there is a greater amount of smaller fruit this season which has been attributed to weather conditions.
"We are currently in our D3 season - the desert district, and will be starting D1 - the Central Valley district - in January," said Russell Takahashi of Allied Avocados and Citrus. "The fruit is smaller across the board this year. Strong heat during the summer months has been tough on the fruit and the bloom.
Takahashi added that current supply is strong but the market is subdued for now after a reasonably good year. "Supply is steady for the country as a whole," he said. "Prices have been a little higher this year due to the lighter production in general and the smaller fruit sizing. However, the market is a little soft at the moment but should start to pick up again for the holidays."
Mexico situation more acute
The small size profile of the lemon crop is not confined to California. Lemons coming in from Mexico have also been notably small. The weather is also a factor there. Except, instead of heat during the growing phase, both freeze and tropical storm activity that parts of Mexico have experienced in recent months has led to the damage of the lemon fruit.
"Lemons are still coming in from Mexico at the moment, but that market should be terminating in a few weeks," Takahashi observed. "The US market should see the disappearance of Mexican fruit by the middle of December. Fruit sizes in Mexico have been very small as well and production has been down. The growing regions have experienced both freeze and several hurricanes this year which damaged the trees by blowing off large fruit as well as foliage."
Year-round organic production
For Allied Avocados and Citrus, their organic lemon production is down by 40 percent this year in the desert region. Takahashi explained that this is due to extensive topping. While it is normal for lemon growers to trim a portion of their trees each year, Allied decided to perform a much more comprehensive trim this year.
"We topped all of our desert orchard this year," he said. "When trees get too tall, it becomes a danger and a risk for workers to pick fruit that high. Additionally, the strong labor regulations, particularly in the desert region, mean that pickers are not allowed to harvest above a certain height, so we decided to top the entire orchard. It is also beneficial for the trees because it encourages more growth towards the base."
Takahashi continued by saying the company is in a fortunate position to be able to offer organic lemons all year round. "We are one of the few growers that farm in all three citrus districts," he said. "This means we are able to provide lemons all year. Our packing house is open for 12 months of the year."
For more information:
Russell Takahashi
Allied Avocados and Citrus
Tel: +1 (805) 625-7155
russ@alliedfruits.com
www.alliedfruits.com