Andalucía is gearing up for an impressive citrus production season in 2024/25, with projections indicating over 2.26 million tons, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous season. This positive outlook is driven by favorable weather conditions and enhanced irrigation practices, making this an exciting time for farmers and agronomists in the region.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
According to Manuel Gómez, the General Secretary for Agriculture in Andalucía, the anticipated rise in citrus production is attributed to increased rainfall in spring and the effective implementation of irrigation measures that have significantly improved the health of the orchards. The forecast indicates a 19.2% increase compared to the 2023/24 season. On a national level, Andalucía is expected to contribute approximately 38.8% of Spain’s total citrus production, which is projected at 5.84 million tons.
Breakdown of Citrus Production by Province
The Junta of Andalucía has provided specific estimates for citrus production across various provinces:
- Sevilla: 969,930 tons
- Huelva: 570,149 tons
- Córdoba: 347,058 tons
- Málaga: 94,118 tons
- Almería: 225,258 tons
- Cádiz: 53,164 tons
- Granada: 4,664 tons
This provincial distribution highlights Sevilla as the leading producer, followed closely by Huelva and Córdoba.
Crop Area and Production Types
The total cultivated area for citrus fruits in Andalucía is approximately 90,180 hectares. This area is allocated to:
- Sweet oranges: 61,088 hectares
- Mandarins: 20,461 hectares
- Lemons: 7,044 hectares
- Other citrus fruits (including grapefruits): 1,587 hectares
Among the different types of citrus, sweet oranges account for the largest share at 69.4% of the total production, projected at 1,570,467 tons, representing a 22.4% increase from the previous season. Mandarins follow closely, making up 25% of the production at 564,985 tons, also reflecting a 22.4% increase. In contrast, lemon production is expected to decline by 22.8%, reaching 88,022 tons, or 3.9% of the total.
Additionally, the forecast includes 29,713 tons of grapefruits and 4,663 tons of other minor citrus varieties.
National Impact
Based on preliminary data, Andalucía’s orange production is set to constitute 52.8% of the national total, while mandarin production will account for 30.9%, and lemon production will represent 9.4%. This significant contribution underscores the region’s crucial role in Spain’s agricultural landscape.
The anticipated citrus production for the 2024/25 season positions Andalucía as a leading player in the global citrus market. With a combination of improved agricultural practices and favorable weather conditions, the region is well-prepared to meet the rising demand for citrus fruits. Farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers should leverage these insights to optimize their production strategies and capitalize on the growing market.
