The Spanish Region of Valencia's citrus sector has managed to close the 2012/2013 campaign with record export sales, after shipping almost three million tonnes of mandarins and oranges, which is 4.3% more than in the previous season. Additionally, according to official data, the value of those goods reached 2,100 million Euro.
These results coincide with the upward trend of exports in the main markets for private and cooperative shipments, although also with the reduction in production volumes of some regions due to frosts and wind, which have generated losses of 10 to 50% compared to last year.
Citrus is currently Valencia's second largest exporting business, after automobiles. This position has been obtained after a season characterised by wide price oscillations; very low for the main early varieties, although generally better in the case of the late ones. The Powell, ValenciaLate, and OrtaniqueFortuna have all achieved a higher profitability, although it is worth noting that current prices stand at the same levels as decades ago.
This season's results confirm that quantity is not always incompatible with good prices. "The citrus sector, according to AVA, should be more organised to be able to make smart and well-planned management decisions during the entire campaign." In his opinion, it is essential to prevent the premature sale of mandarins which have yet to reach the right degree of ripeness. "Foreign consumption responds to this and we must act professionally if we wish demand to remain strong."
Production costs
Despite this all, some citrus producing regions have suffered considerable drops in production. In this regard, the Unió de Llauradors (Growers' Association), rated the season as disastrous for La Ribera, mainly due to the low prices obtained and production losses after the winter frosts. This region is undergoing a large-scale transformation process of mandarin and orange plantations into other crops, like kakis.
Production costs
Despite this all, some citrus producing regions have suffered considerable drops in production. In this regard, the Unió de Llauradors (Growers' Association), rated the season as disastrous for La Ribera, mainly due to the low prices obtained and production losses after the winter frosts. This region is undergoing a large-scale transformation process of mandarin and orange plantations into other crops, like kakis.
The Growers' Association stressed that the average price paid to growers has oscillated between 0.15 and 0.23 Euro per kilo for the Clemenules and 0.09 to 0.15 for the Navelina, which fall below the production costs for the said varieties; an average of 0.26 and 0.22 Euro respectively.
Source: Levante-emv.com