Spain: Initial production of 5.84 million tons is expected for the 2024/2025 citrus campaign

Spain's Ministry of Agriculture forecasts a 1% decrease in citrus production for the 2024/2025 season, totaling 5.842 million tons, due to the effects of drought, excessive heat, and alternate bearing. The production varies by citrus type, with oranges expected to increase but lemons and small fruits decrease. Oranges make up 51% of the total production, while small citrus fruits account for 31.3%. Lemon production is expected to decrease by 20.5% from the previous season. Grapefruit production is expected to surpass the previous campaign by 0.6% and the average by 8.3%, marking a record campaign.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) forecasts an initial production of citrus fruits in Spain of 5.842 million tons for the 2024/2025 campaign, which began on September 1. This first estimate was presented by the general director of Agricultural Production and Markets, Elena Busutil, during the meeting of the citrus sector table, held on September 16. The calculation of the national capacity, which has been supported by the data provided by the main autonomous communities with citrus production, represents 60,500 tons less - 1% below - than the provisional figures for the 2023/2024 season. They are also 8.6% lower than the average of the last five campaigns. MAPA reported that the effects of drought, excessive heat in key periods of citrus development and, in some cases, alternate bearing, have been decisive factors in the production volume. The production performance, however, is different depending on the type of citrus. The forecasts for oranges are higher ...