27/07/2023 | Spain

The first estimate for the Fino lemon harvest in the 2023/2024 campaign in Spain, carried out by the Lemon and Grapefruit Interprofessional Association (AILIMPO), forecasts a production of 990,000 tons. This represents an increase of 30% compared to the 2022/2023 campaign, and marks the return to the levels reached in the 2020/2021 campaign, when 980,000 tons were harvested.

 

However, this initial estimate of the harvest is subject to confirmation at the end of September, and its result will depend on weather conditions and water availability, as well as the impact on harvest volume due to new plantings that have increased the surface in 5,671 hectares in the last 6 years. This has brought the total Fino lemon cultivation area from 25,609 hectares in 2017 to the current 31,280 hectares, an increase of 22%, according to official data from MAPA.

 

In 2023/2024, Spain will continue to be the main exporter of fresh lemon and the second-largest lemon processor in terms of juice, essential oil and dehydrated peel worldwide.

 

However, some damage has been recorded due to episodes of hail that occurred during the abundant rainfall last May. It is estimated that around 1,000 hectares could have been affected by this weather phenomenon, mainly in the regions of the Region of Murcia, Campo de Cartagena, Alhama, or Vega Media del Segura, which includes towns such as Archena and Molina de Segura.

 

 

 

source: ailimpo.com