Nick Papagni of "The Ag Meter" recently spoke with Jesse Silva, Vice President of Sales at Kings River Packing, a significant citrus grower-packer-shipper in the U.S., cultivating over 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares) and engaging in family farming for eight generations.
Silva provided insights into the evolving lemon market from April to mid-June. "Now we're seeing less supply of imported fruit, which is causing a higher demand and higher price for the domestic crop," Silva mentioned.
Earlier in the season, a saturation of imported lemons hindered export opportunities for U.S. producers. However, due to tariffs diverting imports to other markets, U.S.-grown lemons now experience heightened demand and improved pricing. Silva pointed to a shift in fruit quality and origin, stating, "We're seeing a transition from D1 to D2 fruit, Central Valley and coastal grown. The crop is much smaller in the coastal region."
This imported lemon volume reduction potentially benefits domestic producers, particularly those in California. As the market finds a new balance, citrus growers like Kings River Packing may be better equipped to address demand and possibly increase export opportunities.
Source: AgNet West