Gascó, from the citrus processing sector, was elected at the end of July for the 2002-03 season. He said that the Spanish sector was reaching a 'decisive phase' in its efforts to see the eight-month old ban lifted. He also said that in a presidential country such as the US, 'there should not be any problem in seeing the ban lifted'.

Gascó replaces Cirilio Arnandis who remains a vice-president on the board representing the production sector. Other office holders include one representative each from the co-operative and trading sectors.

The other issue that the new president highlighted in his acceptance speech at the Intercitrus agm is the influx of Chinese satsuma segments into Europe undercutting Spanish prices by 20-25 per cent.

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