The Agriculture Department of Orihuela has celebrated the inaugural ‘Corte del Limón’, an event aimed at recognising the economic, social, and cultural importance of lemon cultivation in the region. The event took place at the Finca Dehesa de Pinohermoso and marked the beginning of the new harvesting season.
The first ‘Corte del Limón’ was officiated by Miguel Barrachina, the Conseller of Agriculture, Water, Livestock, and Fisheries, alongside José Bernabé, the judge of the Privative Water Court of Orihuela, which was chosen as the event's patron due to its historical connection with local agriculture and traditional irrigation practices.
In attendance were various dignitaries, including Orihuela’s Mayor Pepe Vegara, Agriculture Councillor Noelia Grao, and representatives from agricultural organisations and local institutions. Mayor Vegara highlighted that Orihuela has over 4,000 hectares dedicated to lemon cultivation, which plays a crucial role in the Spanish citrus sector.
“We have an extraordinary orchard, an agricultural tradition that is part of our history, and a product that has carried the name of Orihuela throughout Spain and beyond,” Vegara stated.
He emphasised the livelihoods dependent on lemon farming, noting that many families rely on this sector for their income. Vegara shared a personal anecdote about his pride in being from Orihuela, which was sparked by encountering lemons from his hometown during a trip.
During his speech, the mayor addressed the challenges facing agriculture today, such as rising production costs and competition from imported goods. He stressed the need for fair profitability for farmers and the importance of ensuring that agricultural work remains viable.
Vegara also underscored the necessity of generational renewal in agriculture, advocating for the inclusion of young people in farming and the modernisation of agricultural practices. He reiterated the critical role of water resources in sustaining the sector, stating, “Without water, there is no life, and without life, there is no agriculture.”
Vice President of the Alicante Provincial Council, Ana Serna, praised the event as a vital recognition of the daily efforts of farmers, acknowledging the various challenges they encounter, including adverse weather conditions and market pressures.
Conseller Barrachina concluded the proceedings by recognising the hard work of those in the agricultural sector and announcing support measures for young farmers, including financial assistance to encourage new entrants into agriculture.
Following the symbolic cutting of lemons, Councillor Grao presented a plaque to José Bernabé in recognition of the Privative Water Court's longstanding role in managing the region's water resources. The ‘Corte del Limón’ aims to become an annual event that celebrates the agricultural heritage and economic significance of lemon cultivation in Orihuela.
