W40: Mandarin Update

In W40 in the mandarin landscape, the 2023/24 California mandarin forecast for Tango and W. Murcott Afourer varieties, is 21 million 40-pound (lb) cartons, as determined by the Mandarin Objective Measurement Survey. This survey indicates an 8% year-over-year (YoY) increase in fruit set per tree and a 7% YoY decrease in fruit diameter as of September 1. The estimated carrying acreage of 31 thousand leads to a yield of 677 40-lb cartons per acre. Notably, the start of the growing season witnessed significant rainfall, including the impact of Hurricane Hilary, which contributed to relieving the state's drought conditions.

In Spain, citrus farming in Castellón encountered challenges due to the high prices of premium mandarin varieties like Tango, Nadorcott, Leanri, and Orri. Clemenules, representing over 50% of citrus production in the province, are experiencing lower production volumes compared to other varieties. The secretary general of the La Unió Llauradora i Ramadera suggests that the timing of citrus cultivation and plant varieties should be modified to prolong the harvesting season before and after Clemenules are prepared for harvest. Experts suggest that transitioning to different mandarin varieties is necessary, but this may clash with Castellón's small-scale agricultural structure and the significant investments required for premium mandarin varieties.

Mexico plants 21.6 thousand hectares (ha) of mandarin in 19 states, producing 300 thousand tons in 2023. The primary producing states are Veracruz, Puebla, and Nuevo León. Mandarins are highly available from October to December, making them popular in grocery stores and markets in Mexico.

In South Korea, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is implementing measures to eradicate the distribution of non-standard tangerines, in line with the full-scale shipment of open-field tangerines. The province is strengthening guidance crackdowns using drones to prevent shipments of out-of-standard tangerines from production sites and pursuing intensive crackdowns on orchards, packing houses, and direct stores. A joint enforcement team involving citrus farmers has been formed to monitor tangerine shipments to nine major wholesale markets nationwide. The province plans to mobilize administrative power to crack down on wholesale markets in consumer areas outside the region, screening out-of-standard tangerines and engaging tangerine farmers and distributors to ensure high-quality distribution.