"Spanish citrus producers have experienced a 26% decrease in gross income in the 2021-2022 campaign over the previous campaign, which accounts for 618 million euro less," according to the balance made by the Unión de Uniones with information from all production areas. "The gross income of this campaign amounted to 1,129.98 million euro while in the previous campaign it totaled 1,747.9."
"In addition, the prices paid to citrus growers in the fields have been very low. In fact, many of the late varieties were paid below 10 cents per kilo," the organization stated.
"The decline in gross income among citrus growers is widespread in most groups and varieties. By citrus groups, the group of oranges (especially of the Navel type: Navelina and Lane Late) experienced the largest decrease in income, -58% and 361.4 million euro less in income. It was followed by the group of mandarins with 243.6 million euro less, and lemons, which despite having had an increase in the unit price, were not compensated by the decrease in production and had 13 million euro less in income. Grapefruits, on the contrary, achieved an increase in revenues of just under 1.4 million euro as a result of higher production and higher prices."
According to data updated by the Ministry of Agriculture in March, Spain produced a total of 6.83 million tons of citrus fruits in this campaign, i.e. 5% less than in the previous campaign.
The total consumption of citrus fruits in the European Union has fallen again by 3% over the previous year, so the Unión de Uniones emphasizes the need to carry out promotional campaigns for citrus fruits to reverse the decline in consumption and exports in recent years. In 2007, the consumption of oranges in Spain accounted for 15% of the total fresh fruit consumed, while in 2020 it had already fallen to 12%. In 2020, the per capita consumption of oranges in Spain stood at 17.35 kilos, i.e. 16% lower than five years before. Avocado, pineapple, lemon, and banana consumption have grown the most.
For more information:
Unión de Uniones
https://uniondeuniones.org