World Citrus Organization predicts nearly 9% drop in production in the northern hemisphere

The World Citrus Organization (WCO) has released its annual estimate of citrus in the northern hemisphere for the next citrus season (2024-25). The preliminary forecast is based on data from industry associations in the Mediterranean region and the United States, with information from Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, the United States and, for the first time, Portugal. The reported numbers show that citrus production is estimated at 27,297,216 tons, representing a decrease of 8.73% compared to the previous season. The 2024-2025 forecast is also 5.88% lower than the average of the last four campaigns. Total citrus exports are expected to follow a similar trend, standing at 8,379,831 metric tons, 8.94% less than the previous season and 9.78% less than the average of the last four seasons. Philippe Binard, Secretary General of the WCO, commented that the decrease from last year's high volumes is "mainly due to Turkey's return to regular production levels ...