The Cuban ministry of agriculture has said that output of citrus crops should reach 1million tonnes by 2004. This signifies a complete recovery from the collapse experienced by the sector 10 years ago with the demise of the Soviet Union, Cuba's main market for citrus.
However, the growth rate will slow, the ministry said once the million-tonne mark is achieved. The news will undoubtedly be welcomed by near neighbours in the citrus producing Florida who have been eyeing the island's citrus recovery with concern.
Some three-quarters of the Cuban citrus crop is destined for juice production and investment and foreign expertise have helped improve yields and processing efficiency.
Only five per cent is exported as fresh fruit. Grapefruit has been enjoying success on export markets competing with pigmented fruit from Florida, Mexico and Honduras in Europe.
Orchards in Cuba are ageing although there are plans to renew trees, gradually replacing orchards rather than expanding production through new plantings.
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