Grower groups in Almería in south-eastern Spain are warning that citrus producers are suffering from a weak market and are leaving tonnes of fruit on trees.

Coag, which represents producers in the regions estimates that thousands of oranges, easy-peelers and lemons will go unharvested this season. “Prices are at the levels of 25 years ago,” the group said in a statement.

Although acreage has increased by four per cent since 2004, production is down by 2.5 per cent, clearly pointing to the fact that the crisis in the sector is market-related, said Coag.

Meanwhile, further north in Castellón, producer members of Fepac-Asaja described the clementine season as “ruinous”.

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