Murcia’s citrus sector faces problems

Citrus production in the Spanish region could be wiped out as a result of poor returns received in recent seasons, claims association

Spanish fresh produce association Asaja Murcia has forecast that as much as 45 per cent of Murcia’s citrus producers could abandon their farms in the coming years as a result of the poor results of recent campaigns.

According to the association, disappointing returns received over recent seasons has led to many orchards becoming unprofitable, which in turn had resulted in growers looking to switch to other more profitable crops.

Asaja Murcia general secretary Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca said: “The terrible prices that citrus producers have endured are already forcing many farmers to abandon their citrus orchards and focus on other crops that are more profitable.”

In a statement, Mr Gálvez argued that the sector required major restructuring for which the collaboration of the Spanish government was vital.

“The government cannot continue to remain impassive in the face of the serious problems that are facing producers,” he added.

Mr Gálvez also called on the authorities and the citrus sector to put in place a promotional campaign for the products in the domestic market that could educate Spanish consumers about the health benefits of eating the fruit.