Fresh lemon production in Argentina in 2023–24 is forecast to decrease by 11% to 1,700 metric tons (MT). The forecast was made in a semi-annual report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS).
USDA FAS also has revised the number of fresh lemons that will be processed in 2023–24 to 1,340 MT, reflecting a 6% decrease from the last official estimate of 1,418 MT. This decrease is attributed to the lower production of lemons in Argentina for this marketing year.
CLIMATIC AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
The negative trajectory is attributed to worsening climate conditions with higher temperatures than expected. Also, during harvest season, there were irregular and severe rains, which impacted the size of the lemons and damaged numerous lemon trees. The average fruit size was smaller than originally estimated, reducing total production.
Argentine lemon producers have faced substantial economic challenges due to persistent international overproduction in the fresh citrus market and stagnant demand. This has resulted in prolonged periods of lower prices over the past five to seven years compared to the previous decade.
Despite these challenges, the lemon sector has seen significant investment in new production techniques and technology over the past decade. Notably, 70% to 75% of Argentina’s total lemon production is now dedicated to the export of processed lemon products. This includes essential oils, frozen pulp and dehydrated peel.
VARIETIES AND PLANTED AREA
Lemons are grown primarily in the northwest provinces of Tucuman, Salta and Jujuy, with some minor production in northeastern Argentina. Eureka Frost, Lisboa Frost, Limoneira 8A and Génova EEAT are the main lemon varieties grown in Argentina.
Estimates for fresh lemon planted area were updated for 2023–24 to 34,500 hectares, which is a 16% decrease from previous estimates. The decline in planted area can be attributed to the international overproduction in the fresh citrus market coupled with stagnant demand.
Argentina’s orange and tangerine forecasts are also expected to decrease; get the details.
Source: USDA FAS
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