Citrus fruits from Peru join new market in New Zealand despite La Nina ambush | Economy

The leader announced that from the second half of next December, New Zealand, a market with a population of just over five million, will open its doors to the new Peruvian citrus. National Agricultural Health Service (CNS)), Miguel Queto Valle.

“This practice is already 99% and confirmation is expected from the World Trade Organization (WTO) that there is almost no attention, which almost never does, so, we can already consider (a New Zealand) Is an open market for all kinds of Peruvian citrus (mandarin, tangerine, orange, clementine and lemon), ”he explained.

In this regard, Sergio del Castillo, General Manager of the Citrus Producers Association of Peru (Procytrus), Although the New Zealand market is small, “like the US and Europe, it offers very good prices,” he said. In the North American country alone, Clementine sells for $ 2.08 a kilo.

It should be noted that the types of Citrus The most widely produced in Peru is W. Murcot and Satsuma are both good traits for long trips and are in high demand in the Asian market.

Concern about La Nina

This 2021, Peruvian citrus They were also able to enter Uruguay and Argentina, so exports to the international market are estimated to increase by 6% compared to 2020, however, to date, growth has been 0%.

What happened? The general production of del Castillo citrus is maintained, however, due to the lack of rain at certain times of the year the quantity of fruit with export characteristics is reduced. “Exports this year are not optimal. We will see how severe the drought will be in the coming months, ”he said of the climate risks.

In this regard, on October 14, the National Survey of El Niோo (Enfen) released a report, “The development of the event is expected to continue. Girl Weak and moderate in the Central Pacific between spring 2021 and summer 2022. ”

Therefore, the next summer rain forecast for the North Coast will be below normal, without dismissing episodes of short-term local rainfall; More rain is expected than normal in the Andean region and forests.

“La Nina is always making cuts in the water supply because there is less flow to recharge the water levels in the lower areas. No large fruits without water, to be precise, the climatic phenomenon is consistent with the growth of the fruit and the fat cycle. In those cases, you should try to get less fruit per plant to give preference to good size (size), ”he said.

It should be noted that at present, only 20% of 100% citrus production is levied on the international market.