Citrus growers in Andalusia have welcomed rainfall early this week which will boost oranges in particular and help lift the region out of drought conditions.
The region is growing in importance for production of oranges and to a lesser extent easy-peelers and lemons, although it is still some way behind Valencia.
Figures released by the regional executive this week forecast a total easy-peel crop of some 198,661 tonnes with clementines accounting for the lion's share of that figure at almost 104,000t.
Navel makes up the largest share of the orange offer and in particular Navelina which this year is forecast to have a crop of some 234,000t. The total Navel forecast is 538,000t compared to Valencia at 131,000t.
There are still fears that fruit size will be small if autumn rainfall continues on the light side.
The orange harvest was due to start this week.
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