Citrus prices have continued to fall in this second part of the campaign, in clear contrast to the increase in production costs. Orange prices aren't the only ones falling, stated the secretary-general of La Unió de Llauradors i Ramaderos, Carles Peris.
"The prices of the Nadorcott and Tango varieties are below 0.60 euro per kilo. The price of the Ortanique mandarins has completely sunk and ranges from 0.12 to 0.16 euro per kilo in Castellon. As a result, a lot of fruit is being diverted to the industry or even being left in the fields unharvested."
"The price of orange has been low since the beginning of the campaign due to the pressure exerted by imports from South Africa. In this second part of the season, the situation has not changed and prices range from 0.13 to 0.15 euro per kilo in Castellon, which is totally ruinous for the Navel Lane Late," stated Peris.
This collapse in fruit prices in the countryside is causing a drop in imports at the beginning of the year. According to the latest Enhanced Monitoring of EU Citrus Import recently published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, during the first two months of 2022, the EU has imported 40,454 tons of oranges, i.e. 40.2% (-7,155 tons) less than in 2021 and 49.4% (-39,521 tons) less than the average.
Source: elmundo.es
