The Citrus Management Committee (CGC), which represents 80% of Spain’s orange and mandarin exports, reports that damage to production from recent heavy rains is severe but localized to two districts, with a significant portion of the fruit expected to be salvageable.

According to the committee’s press release, all Valencia warehouses are operational, ensuring continued deliveries to the European Union. "Harvesting, processing, and commercial distribution operations have resumed and are proceeding relatively normally despite the challenges," the release states.

The rainstorm, known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), struck large areas of Valencia on October 29, causing devastating floods. Heavy rainfall continued for nearly a week, moving northward toward Castellón and southward to Andalusian citrus-growing regions such as Seville, Huelva, and Cádiz.

“Over the last two weeks, in addition to the immense losses faced by the agricultural sector, the citrus season has been delayed due to the inability to harvest and difficulties accessing fields and transporting fruit after the floods,” explained Inmaculada Sanfeliu, President of the CGC. “Now, after consulting with members—who represent 80% of Spain's citrus exports and 60-70% of the domestic market—all packhouses in Valencia are fully operational, ensuring the supply of mandarins and oranges to European retailers.”

The CGC aligns with assessments from leading Valencian agricultural organizations, which note that the primary damage affects agricultural infrastructure, land access, and equipment, including ponds, pipes, wells, walls, and fences.

While the situation remains critical, the heaviest damage to citrus groves is concentrated in the districts of La Ribera Alta, La Ribera Baja, and Pedralba in Los Serranos, northeast of the province. In other major production areas of Valencia, such as La Safor, Camp de Morvedre, Camp de Túria, and parts of L'Horta Nord, Sur, and Oest, as well as further south in La Costera, rain caused only minor disruptions.

Elsewhere in Valencia province and most of Castellón, Alicante, and the citrus-growing regions of Andalusia and Murcia, the rainfall has been beneficial, allowing many citrus varieties to grow larger and helping alleviate two years of severe drought.

“Most of the affected fields are still covered in mud, but once accessible, a good portion of the fruit will likely be harvested for fresh sale or juice processing,” said Sanfeliu. “Although these have been some of the most destructive storms in recent memory, the CGC emphasizes that the industry has substantial experience in managing such situations. Our packing plants are equipped with the technology and expertise needed to ensure a consistent quality supply to the EU.”

Transport Challenges

The primary obstacle for Spain’s citrus export sector, aside from sourcing from unaffected areas, is the logistical situation in Valencia province. The damage to essential infrastructure, including the Valencia motorway bypass, is significant, with sections of major motorways still closed. Restrictions on heavy traffic were partially lifted yesterday, and temporary repairs on the Valencia ring road are advancing, with a detour expected to be completed shortly to ease traffic flow.

In response to road congestion, the CGC has called on authorities to establish a priority corridor for perishable goods like citrus. “Spain and Europe’s experience with COVID-19 restrictions and quarantines shows that this is a viable emergency solution,” the committee stated.

Photo courtesy of The Citrus Management Committee