Lemons: Frost hits Turkey and Spain, reduced production in Argentina

Turkey and Spain are experiencing significant issues in their lemon production due to frost damage, with losses reaching 30% and 33% in production respectively. The situation is anticipated to negatively impact Turkish lemon exports to Europe and increase prices for Spanish lemons. In southern Argentina, lemon production is expected to decline due to low prices and shift in farmer interest towards more profitable crops. The USDA also anticipates small fruit size issues and low yields due to low temperatures during the growing season.

The main lemon producing regions in Turkey are facing problems due to frost. Turkish exporters report a 30% decrease in lemon production compared to last year, which is expected to negatively affect Turkish lemon exports to Europe in the coming period. However, Spanish lemons are also facing frost damage. Between January 10 and 15, there were low temperatures, while in some areas the mercury dropped below -4 degrees Celsius. Specifically, in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, 33% of the trees were reported to have been damaged by frost. The agricultural organization ASAJA Alicante reports significant losses in lemon production, both for the fino and verna varieties, due to the January frosts. The frosts "hit" the two provinces during the harvest period, resulting in damage to approximately 150,000 tons of lemons. "Under normal conditions and according to the law of supply and demand, producer prices for Spanish lemons should increase in the coming months," says ASAJA ...