The estimated lemon production represents a 22% reduction from the previous season, while growers claim the sustainability of the sector is in danger due to unfair prices.
The Spanish Association AILIMPO (Inter-professional Association of Lemon and Grapefruit) estimates a total lemon crop of 1,020,000 tons for this season 2019/2020, representing a total reduction of 22% on the previous season 2018/2019.
Demand slows down as typically shown during the month of January but it is expected that it will be activated due to the consume of Primofiori lemons from February onwards. With an estimated production of 730,000 tonnes, this variety shows a decrease of 20% in comparison with the previous year.
Verna lemon harvest is expected to reach 290,000 tonnes, which would mean a reduction of 24% compared to the last season. Production will peak during April, May and June, with quality, sustainable and excellent service lemons. Positioning Spain as the leading supplier in Europe for conventional and organic fruit during this period of time.
Meanwhile thousands of growers gathered together last week in a demonstration in Valencia calling to the necessity of fair prices for the sustainability of the sector and the percentage of production to be discarded continue to increase.