Argentina’s National Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) has confirmed that heavy rains in the northern province of Tucumán have led to fewer shipments of lemons to port for export, website Infocampo.com.ar reported.

The story reported that despite the rains, Senasa said the packed fruit was "of good health and quality, and there have not been detections of quarantine diseases".

The announcement comes after Obispo Colombres Agro-industrial Research Station (EEAOC) technical director Daniel Ploper's comments last week about expectations for delays, and how the inclement weather has aggravated an already struggling agriculture sector in the region.

Citrus grower Diana Chediack told newspaper La Gaceta de Tucumán the situation could foster the appearance of black spot and canker in crops.

"On average, it is estimated there will be 60% less lemons than in the 2013 campaign, which means there will be lower demand for labor," Chediack was quoted as saying.

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