Spain 17/07/2023

20% decline in lemon production in Spain

 

The lemon campaign in Spain has ended up with a total production of 1 million tons, representing a 20% decrease compared to the previous year, informed José Antonio García Fernández, the director of the Lemon and Grapefruit Interprofessional Association (Ailimpo).

The decline in production is attributed, among other factors, to a decrease in the harvest, which in turn has led to a "lower yield of kilograms per hectare" according to the director. Despite this, the prices paid to producers have been positive. For the Fine Lemon campaign, which started in late September and ended in April, prices were ranging from 30 to 35 cents per kilogram.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, covering the period from September 2022 to April 2023, exports amounted to 442,327 tons, 5.3% lower than 2021/22 and 8.5% lower than the average of the last five campaigns. 

However, the value of lemon exports has increased by 5.5% compared to 2021/22 and 6.1% compared to the average, reaching 551.3 million euros.