Mediterranean citruses

The 2019-20 citruses harvest is set for a lower level than in 2018-19 for certain major producers in the Mediterranean. The main factor for this fall is a negative bearing swing. The orchards will have a lower yield after a splendid 2018-19 season. Secondly, the extreme heatwaves that struck over the summer intensified this alternate bearing phenomenon, especially in Morocco. Consequently, according to a very first estimate, Spain will suffer from a fall of 15 to 30 % for its next citruses harvest (more marked for easy peelers than for the orange and lemon), not to mention the potential impact of the torrential rains in week 37. Israeli Orri production is reportedly down by approximately 10 % on the previous season, while grapefruit production remains fairly stable. Finally, Morocco could see an even bigger fall, especially for early easy peelers from the Souss region (- 40 to - 50 %). However, Nadorcott production, boosted by expanding cultivated surface areas, should be similar to last season.