Important role of Argentina in worldwide production of citrus fruit.

Argentina is the eighth largest producer of citrus fruit and the principal producer of lemons worldwide. It has been exporting fresh citrus fruit, fruit juices and essential oils since 1970. The production of citrus fruit in Argentina totals 2.5 million t. Argentinean citrus fruit are grown on a total surface of 150.000 ha. The quality and health of the fruit harvested is excellent and the strain on the environment and the natural resources is minimal.
The environmental conditions in the growing areas of Argentina are ideal for oranges, mandarins, grapefruits and lemons. The produce is grown in two main areas which benefit from their privileged location between the Tropic of Cancer and a latitude of 35 degrees south: oranges, grapefruits and lemons are to be found in the North-west, mainly the last in the province of Tucumán, whereas orange and mandarin plantations are predominant in the North-east. These fruits are harvested and exported virtually all year round in a wide range of varieties, thus allowing the produce to meet the demands of different markets.
The most important market for the 500.000 tons of citrus fruit which Argentina exports is the EU, which buys 75%. It is followed by Russia, other countries of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and finally Asia, which is only buying 2% of Argentinean exports in the current year. This includes the demanding Japanese market, which Argentina has been supplying since 2002.
Citrus fruits from Argentina are now exported to over 80 of the world's markets.