In a statement, the association of farmers who, for the most part, produce oranges, indicates that during the first six months of the citrus agricultural campaign in the Algarve (from September 2023 to February 2024), the number of citrus fruits sold by AlgarOrange members exceeded 42 million kilos.
There was an overall increase of 4.5%, compared to the same period of the previous campaign, says AlgarOrange, highlighting that producers should be able to ensure the capacity for a normal supply to the national and international markets.
“Orange production in the Algarve region is proceeding in accordance with initial forecasts, with a slight increase in winter varieties and a more pronounced increase in spring and summer varieties, compared to the previous campaign”, states the association.
Taking into account the production estimates of the varieties in harvest and to be harvested, AlgarOrange's associated producers predict that the citrus season will “extend until the end of September, beginning of October” 2024.
According to AlgarOrange, around 74% of the area and 88% of the country's citrus production is located in the Algarve and it is here that oranges, clementines, tangerines, and lemons, among other products, are produced.
“We are committed to taking all possible measures to combat the effects of climate change through available technology and investment in innovation and development”, states José Oliveira, president of AlgarOrange, cited in the note.