Valencian citriculture since Spain’s entry into the EEC. The evolution of production and trade in the first twenty years (1985-2005) and perspectives in view of Brexit and the treaties with Southern Africa and with Mercosur

Abstract

The first objective of this article is to review the evolution of Valencian citrus production and trade in the first twenty years of membership in the European Economic Community (EEC). Specifically, oranges and tangerines have been emblems of the Valencia region’s market agriculture since the end of the 19th century. However, while continuing to be Spain’s main producer region, Valencia presents a smallholder structure that makes it more vulnerable to changes in a globalized market. Politically speaking, the commercial agreements between large non-European citrus exporters and the European Union are highly significant: these agreements were first reached with North Africa and subsequently with the Southern African Development Community and with Mercosur. This article begins with the history of citrus crops in the Valencia region and ends with a discussion of the challenges posed by Brexit.