Recent rainfall has proved a timely boost to the citrus crop in the Spanish region of Valencia.
Rain in the second week of December has proved beneficial to several horticultural lines, but for citrus growers will represent a saving in irrigation, as well as contribute to refilling reservoirs. The cold spell at the beginning of December that returned this week is advantageous because it kills off a number of pests and diseases.
Cristóbal Aguado, president of growers’ association Ava-Asaja, said: “The cold also helps increase demand for citrus in markets across Europe, which should also help boost pricing.”
Growers are now hoping that temperatures this week do not fall below zero for a prolonged period and therefore risk damaging fruit and trees.
