While acreage for citrus in Greece is on a stable level, new orchards are being planted while others are being abandoned among the aging farmer population, says George Frangistas, managing director of Greek citrus exporter Gefra:

“When we talk about new citrus planting in Greece, we primarily speak about winter oranges and some mandarins, mostly Novas, which are not the most marketable variety. There is no lemon or grapefruit production on any significant scale. We have an aging farming population, while the next generation is both smaller and unwilling to continue this line of work. Furthermore, weather stresses are increasing. Regardless, we currently have some new plantations in the west of Greece, which enjoy better rainfall. The main production region of Argolis is renewing a few fields, while others are being abandoned entirely. Overall, acreage is stable, with a tendency to drop and production transitioning to the western part of the country.”

© Gefra

According to Frangistas, the quality of the oranges is at a great level this season. “The main region, Argolis, will have lower volumes this season, due to lower yields, but with somewhat improved sizing. Other regions will have average volumes with excellent sizing. The overall quality is expected to be superb this season. We’re also planning a major investment, which will give us superb prospects in terms of cost, capacity, and no post-harvest residues, which is a major issue for retailers.”

Gefra supplies European retailers directly, making it hard to say what markets will be booming in the upcoming season: “It’s difficult to talk about markets in geographical terms, as we supply European multinational retailers. One week, there is a promotion in one country, the following week in another. We are present in most European countries, but the intensity varies weekly depending on our clients’ needs. We would like to expand the Scandinavian market with our abundance of large sizes this year.”

Greek citrus has had to deal with competition from Egypt, which Frangistas feels is fine, as long as it’s a level playing field for everyone. “For the past couple of years, the pressure has come from Egypt. We do not object to a free market, but as long as we all play by the same rules. Why is it that we have to abide by strict residue limits and continuous audits on the ethical treatment of employees while operating in the EU, but these rules do not apply to third countries? Why are imports unlimited, but exports to said countries face trade barriers? Unfair trading practices are rife compared to third-country imports, but this issue is not limited to just citrus.”

Climate change is affecting Greece, as it is many other countries. Frangistas emphasizes that at the moment, farmers are left to fend for themselves when it comes to extreme weather conditions: “For the past 40 years, Greece has done nothing on a national scale to mitigate the effects of climate change. As a result, the regions that are being hit hard with drought have no solution, while the western regions face extreme rainfall. Individual farmers have to fend for themselves at this point.”

“As a result of the past few seasons, Greece has emerged as a serious and viable option for sourcing produce, which goes beyond the citrus. Greece has reliable suppliers who can meet retailer expectations. Let’s not forget Greece is in the EU, which means no borders and an immediate response time,” Frangistas concludes.

© Gefra For more information:
George Frangistas
Gefra
Tel: +30 6932 201272
[email protected]
www.gefra.gr