Frosts during winter last year made for reduced lemon production in Argentina this year. Drought conditions throughout the growing season caused further problems for a reduced 2013-2014 crop.
According to a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report, Argentina's 2013-2014 lemon production is estimated to reach 750,000 metric tons. That production is 45 percent less than last year's production, and the reason for the smaller crop is frost experienced during winter of 2013. Drought conditions also contributed to a smaller crop, while rains during April and May of this year delayed harvesting. Lower production combined with a late start to the season resulted in an expected drop in exports to 180,000 metric tons.
Orange production, on the other hand, recovered from last year's frosts and is expected to increase to 700,000 metric tons. Tangerine production, likewise is expected to reach 300,000 metric tons.
