The Valencian citrus season starts with a decrease in production and imports

A low supply marks the start of the Valencian Community's 2024/25 citrus season, both its own and from third countries, which is conditioning the first purchases in the field. The prices at source in Valencia's Citrus Market's first weekly bulletins of the season show are quite similar to those recorded a year ago but adjusted to compensate for the expected drop in production and high production costs due to the drought and pests.

"Citrus growers are concerned because costs are soaring and there's been an evident drop in production per surface area. Despite continuously irrigating the crops since winter, the plantations are suffering water stress, which has had repercussions on the crop. We have increased treatments to combat pests, but we'll have many losses because of a lack of effective materials to combat them. There are also fewer imports coming in, especially from South Africa which has suffered from frost and hail, as well as problems in complying with cold treatment on their overseas shipments. Thus, operators should increase purchases in the coming weeks to guarantee enough citrus supply to serve European markets," stated the Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-ASAJA).

According to the Citrus Market of Valencia, the prices of the extra-early varieties set in the first contracts are in line with prices on the same date last season: an average price of €0.28/kg (excluding VAT) for Okitsu mandarins, €0.255/kg for Owari, €0.53/kg for Clemenrubí and Orogrós, €0.6/kg for Oronules, €0.35/kg for Marisol, and €0.425/kg for Arrufatina.

Farmgate prices of the most produced varieties, which ripen later, are slightly higher compared to the previous season. The price of the Clemenules stands at €0.415/kg (in some contracts it went up to €0.48/kg) when a year ago its price was €0.385/kg, and Navelina prices stand at €0.29/kg (with a maximum price of €0.36/kg) compared to €0.253/kg in September 2023.

AVA-ASAJA recommends that, before selling their crop, citrus producers consult the reference prices published by the Citrus Market, which are based on closed sales contracts, and that they consider their production costs. According to calculations made by the agricultural organization, citrus production costs have increased by 18% since 2020, reaching €0.27/kg in oranges and €0.33/kg in mandarins.