Challenges of the citrus season in Castellón, Spain

The citrus season in Castellón is ending with mixed results. The season started well, but soon faced obstacles with a drop in prices and a slowdown in the pace of harvesting, according to AVA-Asaja. This change was in line with an increase in citrus imports from other countries and a drop in European consumption, driven by unusually warm weather.

 

The Regional Ministry of Agriculture reports that mandarin production has fallen by 12% and orange production by 23%, making this one of the shortest seasons in more than a decade. José Vicent Guinot, from AVA-Asaja in Castellón, pointed to a drop in prices since 15th January, with no change in selling prices, which adds uncertainty to the situation.

 

In addition, the regional ministry identifies an increase in imports of oranges into the EU and a drop in consumption due to the warm weather as factors behind these challenges. Sales of specific varieties such as hybrid mandarins and Navel oranges are coming to an end.