While many of the orchards in the Mediterranean are currently experiencing drought, Greek growers are delighted with the rapid growth of their citrus fruits. In terms of weather conditions, the summer with sufficient rainfall and without extreme heat has so far been ideal: "Currently we expect an early and trouble-free citrus harvest with sufficient quantities and high-quality organic produce. Even in the long term, organic production in Greece is experiencing significant growth," said the Swiss distribution company for organically produced and fair-trade food gebana AG.
As expected, the mild climate in the Greek producing areas should favour an early harvest. Newhall's first organic oranges are expected to mature in mid-November, with the varieties Washington and Salustiana expected in early December. The regular rains in Greece also favour the local cultivation of clementines and kiwi as well as pomegranate production.
Long-term development potential
In general, organic production in Greece is on the rise, explains gebana AG. Supported by EU subsidies and the growing experience of local agronomists and producers, more and more producers are opting for the cultivation of organic products. The rapid growth of the organic sector at home and abroad represents an additional incentive. Despite the steady growth of exports, only a small proportion of the products currently end up in Western European trade, with the majority of the fruits being exported directly to the Balkan region.
In general, organic production in Greece is on the rise, explains gebana AG. Supported by EU subsidies and the growing experience of local agronomists and producers, more and more producers are opting for the cultivation of organic products. The rapid growth of the organic sector at home and abroad represents an additional incentive. Despite the steady growth of exports, only a small proportion of the products currently end up in Western European trade, with the majority of the fruits being exported directly to the Balkan region.
The degree of automation and the cost of transport are the deciding factors for pricing, with the two Italian and Spanish producers still having an advantage at the moment. "In the long term, however, Greece has the greatest potential for development with the ideal climate, modernization of the infrastructure, expansion of operations and raising quality standards," gebana states.
Varieties
While variety selection is steadily increasing in many growing areas, there is still a need for action in Greece. So far, there are no central breeding programs and so the local producers are mainly dependent on individual researchers and private institutions. Currently, many new Clementine plants of the Nova variety are planted, as they are usually more robust than other varieties. In orange growing, producers are increasingly turning to Lanel Late, which is mature in March / April, filling the supply gap between the Washington and Valencia varieties.
The disadvantage, however, is that the Lane Late are relatively frost-prone and are on the tree during the main frost period in January and February. In addition, the majority of Greek citrus plantations are over 50 years old and are often affected by the tristeza virus. Citrus cultivation is currently undergoing a turnaround: the producers are replacing the orange trees with lemon trees or tristeza-resistant rhizomes (Carrizo citrange, Citrumelo and Citrus volcamericana).
Promotion of Greek agriculture
Swiss-based gebana AG assists producers in a variety of growing regions with their many years of know-how on quality, logistics and trade, and enables them to export their products for the first time - the first step towards market access. Together with farmers and local processors, the company develops sustainable and marketable products and markets them online in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Greek company ANYFION IKE is the production partner of gebana in Greece. Of great importance to the team are fair conditions for farmers and their employees and the promotion of organic agriculture in Greece.
For more information:
gebana AG
Ausstellungsstrasse 21
8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Telephone +41 43 366 65 00
Email: info@gebana.com
Web: www.gebana.com
Anyfion GmbH
Schlagstrasse 49
6430 Schwyz
Tel: 078 683 30 22
E-mail: info@anyfion.com
Web: www.anyfion.com