Australia: Citrus production sinks as drought bites.
Australia
Sunday 24 February 2008
The upcoming Australian citrus crop looks set to plummet to levels not seen since the 1980s as an ongoing drought takes its toll on output in key growing regions, with preliminary estimates putting national production at 500,000 tons, down 12 % on the 2007 crop and 32% on 2006/07, due to a large decline in volumes from the drought hitting Sunraysia and Riverland areas.
The reduced output is certain to see a fall in exports, however, reports indicate the navel crop is showing good fruit size and skin quality, and the industry is hopeful of achieving higher packouts and targeted supply to high-value export markets.
The reduced output is certain to see a fall in exports, however, reports indicate the navel crop is showing good fruit size and skin quality, and the industry is hopeful of achieving higher packouts and targeted supply to high-value export markets.
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