The Argentine Citrus Federation reports weather issues could delay Argentina’s citrus production in 2023.
Crops have been significantly affected by the changing weather conditions, including high temperatures causing heat stress. This is adversely affecting fruit size.
AFC is forecasting a 20 percent drop in production with lemons and as much as a 35 percent decline in oranges and mandarins.
Late rains have also caused growers to postpone harvest, hoping to improve fruit size.
About 70% of Argentina’s citrus production is exported, with 296,526 growing acres planted to date.
Main export markets for Argentine citrus include the EU, Russia and the U.S., with a very small percentage going to China, an emerging market for the category.