Growers in Spain’s key citrus production region of Valencia are expected to benefit from a higher forecast harvest this coming season, which, if realised, will mark a substantial recovery from last year’s disappointing campaign.
According to early estimates from the regional government of Valencia’s department of agriculture and citrus sector association CGC, total production in the region will surpass last year’s 3m tonnes, thanks to more favourable weather conditions.
However, at a joint press conference last week, Valencian agriculture minister Maritina Hernández and CGC president Vicente Bordils said that prices for oranges and mandarins were expected to remain at a similar level to 2009, reported news agency EFE.
But, while Mr Bordils said export demand was also likely to be unchanged, he emphasised the difficulties Valencian citrus companies experienced last year in their dealings with Russia, where fresh produce is expected to contain zero pesticide residues.
