Jamaica now among the most expensive places for citrus

Citrus fruit prices in Jamaica have hit record highs due to a serious shortage both locally and worldwide, driven by disease and climate issues. A 90-pound (41-kilogram) box of oranges now costs around $15,000, compared to just $800 about 15 years ago, before citrus greening disease devastated local crops. Jamaica is now considered one of the most expensive places for citrus, with prices nearing US$100 per box, while globally, boxes sell for US$30 to US$40, according to Alfred Barrett from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Despite high prices, growing citrus is difficult because the greening disease is widespread in Jamaica and costly to manage. The disease is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid, which infects trees as it feeds, reducing production. Barrett said the disease cut Jamaica’s citrus output from five million boxes (about 225 million kilograms) per year to roughly 1.1 million boxes (about 49.5 million kilograms), though the actual number might be lower.

One of the country’s largest producers currently harvests 100,000 boxes (about 4.5 million kilograms), far below its 2008 peak of 650,000 boxes (about 29.3 million kilograms). Some farmers see citrus as profitable, with potential earnings of $2 million per acre, but only if trees are carefully managed. Experts suggest fighting the disease with insecticides, introducing a wasp that attacks the pest, and improving tree nutrition. Although Belize once supplied Jamaica with orange juice concentrate, that country is now also facing production problems.

source: amaica-gleaner.com

photo: jamaicancookery.com