The Citrus Industry in Jaffa

Abstract

AN article in the Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Trades' Journal of February 16 describes “The Jaffa Citrus Industry”. Oranges were introduced to Jaffa in the tenth century; they delighted the eyes of the Crusaders and their opponents. An Egyptian devastated the town and the surrounding country in the fourteenth century, and the orange groves were not re-established until the eighteenth century. Palestine exported nearly 1J million boxes of oranges before the War; her export trade disappeared during the conflict, but now it has returned and increased. Jaffa is the chief exporter of grape fruit, and second only to Spain in export of oranges. Forty-five per cent of the exportable crop is at present controlled by Jews and the rest by Arabs, but when present plantings mature, the Jews will control 65 per cent. The development of overseas markets is difficult, owing to the imposition of tariffs, and to the fact that Palestine is a mandated territory and can demand no reciprocity of trade. The Government of Palestine has instituted an inspection service, has established a research station and has created a fund for propaganda. Difficulties of transport from Jaffa to the port have still to be overcome; production promises to be increased threefold by 1938. The industry is launching a large scheme of advertisement, in an attempt to cope with this increase in output, and already the consumption of Jaffa oranges in England has increased considerably since the scheme was initiated.