The International Citrus Congress is held every four years and is organised by the International Society of Citriculture in cooperation with institutions from the host country. It can bring together more than 1,000 participants, including researchers, technicians and citrus-sector entrepreneurs.
The national partners in the organisation of the 2032 Congress are the Portuguese Horticultural Association, the University of the Algarve (through the Faculty of Science and Technology and MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute), AlgarOrange – Algarve Citrus Operators Association, and CCDR Algarve, I.P.
“Holding the Congress in Portugal is an excellent opportunity for Portuguese technicians and companies to learn about the latest global advances in citrus research, and it serves as a showcase for Algarve citrus production, for sector companies and for the country,” said Amílcar Duarte, Vice-President for Fruit Growing at the Portuguese Horticultural Association and researcher at the University of the Algarve, who presented the bid last week in South Korea.
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The bid was supported by several additional national entities that expressed willingness to collaborate, including the Algarve Tourism Region, the Higher Institute of Agronomy, INIAV, IP – National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, FEDAGRI – Algarve Agriculture Federation, Silves City Council and COTHN-CC – National Horticultural Operational and Technological Centre.
The most recent congresses were held in Valencia (Spain), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Mersin (Turkey). This year’s event took place in South Korea from 10 to 15 November, and the 2028 edition will be hosted in Sicily (Italy).
The Algarve is Portugal’s main citrus-producing region, accounting for around 88% of national output, estimated this year at 462,000 tonnes—an increase of around 10% compared with the average of previous years.
The European Union recognises the history and identity of “Citrinos do Algarve”, acknowledged with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Citrus production plays an important role in the Algarve’s regional economy, generating an annual turnover of around €388 million. National citrus exports reached approximately €192 million in 2023.
