Good rainfall in 2020 benefitted Australia's citrus cultivation. It will affect 2021's expected yields considerably well. The orange harvest is estimated at 535.000 tons, with mandarins at 175.000 tons. These are both about ten percent higher than in the drought-affected 2019/2020 season.
It's not only the improved weather that caused the orange yield increase. The newly-planted navel and blood orange trees did too. Irrigation systems have also been improved, making more irrigation water available. In turn, costs in the main growing areas in Australia have decreased.
Orange exports are expected to be at 195.000 tons. That's three percent more than the equally strong 2019/2020 season. Mandarin exports should rise by 29% to 80.000 tons.
The citrus sector is concerned. Fewer workers are expected to be available for the 2021 harvest. This is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian federal and state governments are, however, consulting with sector representatives. They want to try and solve this problem.