Rainfall in the main producing region of Valencia is further depressing the citrus season in Spain.'Between the US ban on our clementines and the rain which is still falling, the season is turning out disastrously,' said Juan Salvador Torres of Spanish producers' association, Ava-Asaja.

In the Valencia region, it has been raining for two or three days in every four since mid-December and as well as causing damage to the fruit, the conditions mean that growers are unable to get into their fields to pick crops.

Easy-peelers have been suffering the most with an estimated 200,000-250,000tonnes likely to be lost. Clemenules is the hardest hit variety.

But the forecast is for improved, more seasonable weather. 'This amount of rain is just not normal at this time of year,' said Torres. 'The forecast is for colder, drier weather soon.' Hernandina and Lane Late are the next varieties to come on stream over the next two weeks.

According to Torres, confidence among citrus growers is running low. 'In September, it looked like we were going to have a great season,' he said, 'but for one reason and another, here we are in January with the bulk of the season behind us and it has been a disaster.'

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