Citrus production in Mexico is looking at a mixed forecast for 2008/09, according to a new report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Fresh orange production is expected to fall compared with 2007/08, the USDA said, as a result of drier weather conditions in the northern states of the country. Volumes are pegged at 3,900 tonnes, down from 4,300 tonnes the previous year.
Orange exports are set to remain at a similar level to 2007/08, with final figures depending on demand levels from the US.
Grapefruit production for 2008/09 is forecast to increase slightly due to improved weather conditions and larger areas of planted fruit coming into production. Exports are predicted to remain steady at 12,000 tonnes, with demand in Europe thought to be growing.
Meanwhile, Key lime and Persian lime volumes will rise 3.7 per cent to 1.92m tonnes during the 2008/09 campaign, the USDA said, with exports set to increase.
