The restrictions on the irrigation allocation for irrigators of the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation this season, of up to 90% for crops with higher water consumption, compared to their concessional allocation, has had an impact (for the second consecutive year) on citrus producers in the Vega del Guadalquivir. However, and despite the uncertainty generated by the lack of water availability, Juan Miguel López Muñoz, commercial director of Viveros Sevilla, says that there is still interest in new plantings and in varietal renewal.
"The delivery of citrus seedlings is usually carried out from March to July, but this year, it has continued up until November, as producers were encouraged by the rains recorded over the last two months," said Juan Miguel.
"Regarding varieties, in the Vega area, and especially in Palma del Río, producers are still betting on oranges. There is a trend towards more conventional varieties due to their good performance. It is true that the new pigmented varieties with royalties have aroused interest, and even free varieties such as the Sanguinelli are gaining more and more ground."
"There are producers who have had to prioritize the plots that were to receive water over others"
It is worth recalling that Viveros Sevilla is one of only three citrus-producing nurseries in Andalusia, so they have suffered the same impact from the irrigation restrictions as fruit producers during 2023. "We have our own reservoirs, with which we have supplemented the water supply for irrigation, and now we can only hope for rain to replenish those reservoirs, so that we can face the following campaign with more optimism. We've had a very tough summer in terms of water supply."
"We also produce citrus fruits, but this year, those trees have not received the necessary water, since the priority was the nursery. We have had to uproot some plots and others have had to be pruned drastically to save the trees."
"Other growers have found themselves in this same situation."
For more information:
Viveros Sevilla
Ctra. Sevilla-Tocina (A8005), Km. 14,7
Apartado de Correo n.º 5
41310 Brenes, Seville, Spain
Tel.: +34 955 655 920
viverossevilla@viverossevilla.com
juanlm@viverossevilla.com
www.viverossevilla.com