Production of oranges in Greece in season 2008/2009

In Greece, all citrus crops were affected by high fruit losses in 2008/09 due to the warm weather of last summer and frozen conditions in the spring of 2008.

 

There have been no significant changes since November 2008 in citrus output for 2008/09.

 

While still early,  2009/10 harvest is expected to fluctuate between 850,000 and 870,000 MT, a higher forecast as compared to last year’s 790,000 MT.

 

Several negative factors are affecting the late 2008/09 harvest (i.e. Valencias) and citrus orchard management – and are expected to affect the next growing and marketing season as well. Heavy rains prevailed during February-April 2009, adversely affecting late fruit variety harvests. Reportedly, over 20 percent of the crop was considered waste during late harvesting and packing in the region of Peloponnesus. Furthermore, the Agricultural Bank of Greece has significantly reduced loans to farmers impacting operational liquidity.

 

Official sources report that grower prices in Greece have dropped over the past six months by an average of 4.5 to 5.5 percent. Currently, offered grower prices for quality late oranges are frozen at low levels - around 0.30 Euros/Kg – which discourages harvesting. The retail price for fresh oranges is between 0.80 - 1.00 Euro/Kg, depending on variety. Wholesalers and retailers benefit from these prices at the expense of citrus farmers – a further disincentive to citrus production.