Ailimpo's first estimate of the lemon harvest for next season 2019/2020, forecasts a total production in Spain of 1,104,000 tonnes, representing an overall decrease of 14% compared to the 2018/2019 season when production reached record levels. This first crop estimate will be confirmed depending on the availability of water in summer and autumn rains. The estimated global lemon production figure in Spain of 1,104,000 tonnes will allow Spain to continue to be the leading exporter of fresh lemon, and the second largest processor of lemon juice, essential oil and dehydrated peel in the world. In the case of the Fino lemon variety, a slight decrease of 8% is estimated which will basically affect the fruit to be harvested in the second part of the season while the availability of lemons in the first part of the season will be normal. Ailimpo has considered the effect of the progressive entry into production of new plantations made in recent years and the situation of the size of lemons at the present time, which is considered optimal thanks to the good availability of water, to estimate a production of 845,000 tonnes. "This figure for Fino Lemon production will allow Spain to consolidate its leading role in supplying customers and guarantee supply programmes". As far as the Verna lemon harvest is concerned, the first forecast points to a harvest of 260,000 tonnes, which would mean a reduction of 29% compared to the last season in which production was record. "The reduction in the crop of verna lemon, an autochthonous Spanish variety, is a consequence of the resting of the trees after a record production season. In any case, the harvest estimate of 260,000 tonnes guarantees that the Spanish lemon supply will cover a large part of summer 2020 with good quality fruit." Ailimpo expects a good and fair balance of prices and distribution of economic value throughout the chain, which will allow the Spanish lemon sector to give a profitable commercial outlet to the harvest, while maintaining commercial competitiveness against the aggressive supply of lemon from competing third countries such as Turkey (which will continue to be subject to official pesticide controls at the European border) or Egypt. Furthermore, from the producer's point of view, the GlobalGAP and GRASP certifications are key elements for the next season, within the interprofessional strategy based on promoting sustainable production under the triple focus: economic, environmental and social. Source - https://www.freshplaza.com