The lemon harvest in Argentina has begun ahead of schedule as good fruit size has been achieved early, but sector chiefs are calling for caution in a high volume year.
The main growing region of Tucumán has experienced better growing conditions than in the previous two seasons, according to reports in the regional press, with higher temperatures and humidity. As a result, sizes are good enough - 60mm - for picking and degreening to start.
Forecasts are for a 10 per cent increase in production to more than 1.25 million tonnes, but the Tucumán citrus association is urging caution in sendings. "We have to take advantage of the opportunity afforded us by the Spanish frosts, but without ignoring the need to export only the best quality fruit in an orderly manner," ATC secretary Roberto Sánchez Loria was reported.
The situation is further complicated this year by large stocks for industry hanging over from last season which will greatly reduce the volumes traditionally required by that market.
The EU and Russia are the main markets for the Tucumán fruit given a plant-health related block on sendings to the US. The ATC is continuing to work on re-opening access and is keen on establishing a Chinese market for the region's fruit given that production in Tucumán is expected to grow by between 70,000 and 170,000 a year over the next few seasons.
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