Vicente Bayona, General Director of Bayex Overseas, stated, “Valencian citrus production is compromised in international markets due to poor practices being carried out in the fields.” He expressed hope that the same does not happen to the increasingly important avocado production in the Valencian Community.
“We are facing a growing challenge due to poor practices during harvest and post-harvest handling. This issue, which has been highlighted by producers and distributors, could jeopardize the reputation and quality of the citrus sector. That’s why I hope our avocado production does not follow the same path,” Bayona warned.
The impact of premature harvesting
One critical issue is premature harvesting, especially with citrus fruits like clemenules. Bayona explained, “Harvesting too early leads to green fruit being delivered to the market, which doesn’t meet optimal conditions.”
“Years of effort to build a reputation are at risk due to the lack of care in these processes,” he added.
The Hass variety, which now dominates avocado plantations in the Valencian Community, requires harvesting at the precise moment of ripeness, when it reaches the appropriate dry matter level. “If this process is not respected, the avocado does not ripen properly, leading to market rejections that could damage the Valencia origin’s image,” Bayona emphasized.
The development of avocado cultivation in the region has shown significant growth, with an estimated annual sale of 40,000 to 50,000 plants. The Castellón-based company exclusively distributes plants from the largest clonal avocado nursery, Viveros Brokaw, which ensures uniformity and profitability in crops.
Labor management is among the factors negatively affecting fruit quality. According to Bayona, “The rush to complete harvesting and the lack of knowledge about the optimal ripening point result in fruit reaching the market in substandard conditions.”
RELATED NEWS: Tropical Bayper has become strong
Another challenge comes from Moroccan production. Morocco has attempted to bring its harvest forward to avoid overlapping with Spanish production, but this has led to a slowdown in consumption due to the small sizes and poorly ripened fruits.
Despite these challenges, Bayona pointed out that Hass avocados are solidifying their position as a key driver of agricultural development in Valencia. Major citrus groups have invested in this transition, dedicating entire farms exclusively to avocado production.
While the Puerto de Sagunto-based company has been a pioneer in introducing avocado cultivation in the region, it also markets citrus fruits, strawberries, and papayas of national origin, particularly from Tenerife.
Bayona emphasized the importance of responsible agricultural practices to maintain the sector’s competitiveness and reputation.
“Today, success depends on what you can manage well in the field. Only through well-managed production can we ensure a sustainable future for Valencian agriculture that protects both citrus and avocado,” Bayona concluded.
