LANDBOU
“ Which is a long and drawn-out process which also costs you an arm and a leg .”
Once done , the soil is ripped and prepared for planting . That is followed by the most crucial component : installing the intricate irrigation system . Then another decision of utmost importance : the farmer needs to decide which varieties to plant . According to Adrian , one should not plant too much of one variety .
“ Once the choice is made , those trees need to be ordered from a nursery a minimum of two years in advance . The reason is that we are only allowed to cultivate certified trees . So we order our rootstock ,
depending on the soil type . And then you order the cultivar you need , be it a lemon , a navel or whatever you decide . And once everything is ready and you have spent all that money , you wait for a return on that substantial investment .”
For these new trees to reach full production takes about six to seven years . A long and costly wait indeed . If producers have the means to finance the expansion out of their own pockets , that capital is dead for the next seven years , albeit with promising returns afterwards . In the event of producers having to borrow money , interest must be paid during the ‘ dead ’ years , which will take a while to recoup .
Left : Newly planted citrus trees take up to seven years before coming into full production . Right : The right humidity , temperatures and cold units , make this area ideal for all kinds of citrus .
9 MARKtoe ! Oktober 2023