Valencia citrus yields hit 20-year low

Citrus production in the Valencian Community in Spain is facing a conflicting scenario. While grower organization LA UNIÓ Llauradora projects yields to rise by three percent this season, overall volume remains the lowest recorded in the last two decades.

By category, small citrus production is projected at 1.07 million metric tons, with a two percent increase year-on-year, while oranges are forecasted to reach 1.3 million metric tons, up five percent YoY.

Lemon production is set to hit 240,408 metric tons, a 15 percent YoY increase driven primarily by the Verna variety. Meanwhile, Fino lemon volumes are anticipated to remain virtually flat compared to last season.

Despite the outlook, LA UNIÓ expects good fruit quality and acceptable sizing due to the limited overall supply. Initial commercial deals indicate stable prices, though purchasing momentum remains slower compared to previous seasons.

Shrinking citrus acreage and grower challenges

The organization attributes the persistently low production levels to aging orchards, fruit set difficulties, increased pest and disease pressure, as well as grove abandonment.

During 2025, 6,825 acres of citrus orchards were lost, pulling total acreage two percent below 2024 levels and 15 percent lower than a decade ago.

Rising production costs, particularly for pest control, fuel, fertilizers, and energy, are compounding the problem and continuing to erode grower profitability.

In response, LA UNIÓ is calling for government assistance to renovate aging tree stock, provide enhanced support for biological pest control, and facilitate access to effective crop protection tools.

The group is also requesting tariff measures and safeguard clauses against non-EU imports, which it notes are capturing an increasingly larger share of the European market.

LA UNIÓ stressed that advancing varietal renewal, improving plant health standards, and strengthening producer support will be vital to restoring Valencian citrus farming's productive potential and global competitiveness.

*All images are referential via Shutterstock.

Related stories

A light of hope: Florida citrus demand remains steady despite historical production decline