Citrus production in Spain’s Valencia region is continuing to shift in favour of more easy peelers and fewer oranges, according to statistics issued by the country’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The change in emphasis in the region, which is regarded as the heartland of the Spanish industry, has been given greater impetus by the replacement of groves that were hit by a canker that kills trees. Clementine production in Valencia will rise by 15% this year to reach nearly two million tonnes.
Oranges have dropped by 11% to 1.5 million tonnes, which represents half of Spain’s national export figure.