2006/7 - Citrus exports expected to grow 15%

exports are projected to increase 15% this year and will total 160,000 tons. A shortage of 5,000 farm workers at peak harvest season could endanger the entire sector
 
After years during which the Israeli citrus sector experienced decline in export, growers expect renewed growth.
 
According to growers' union chair Arieh Schreiber Citrus exports are projected to increase 15% this year and will total 160,000 tons. Citrus growers are concerned about the harvest which started early this month.
 
A shortage of 5,000 farm workers at peak harvest season could endanger the entire sector.
The union asked the government to immediately approve a foreign worker quota to cover for the sever shortage of labor and the frequent curfews on West Bank & Gaza strip that prevent Palestinians from working on Israeli farms.