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Murcott mandarins: No export orders due to Wuhan pneumonia and weather, domestic demand hit, urgent support needed

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Wuhan pneumonia impact 0214"Murcott mandarins in trouble, urgent support needed! Weather and epidemic wreak havoc, no export orders, domestic demand hit

Affected by the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) epidemic, fruit exported from Taiwan to China has been impacted. Following Taitung's pineapple sugar apples, Murcott mandarins have also been hit.

More than a quarter of Taiwan's annual Murcott mandarin production is exported to China. This year, due to weather conditions, Murcott mandarin production has declined, and B-grade fruit (less visually appealing but equally tasty flesh) has increased. Farmers originally hoped that A-grade fruit (attractive in both appearance and flesh) revenue would offset B-grade losses, but with the severe epidemic in China, all orders to China have come to a halt. The original export volume has flowed back to the domestic market, but domestic buying sentiment has also fallen short of expectations due to the epidemic. Farmers lament, "This loss is more severe than a typhoon disaster."

The Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station states that Murcott mandarins are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, organic acids and minerals. It is now the Murcott mandarin season. Eating more not only benefits health but also supports Taiwanese farmers. Agricultural authorities urge that although B-grade fruit may not look appealing, the flesh is equally delicious, and consumers are encouraged to buy more.

Delicious and nutritious Murcott mandarins (photo provided by Lu Chun-wei)

Taiwan's main Murcott mandarin production areas are Taichung and Yunlin-Chiayi; nearly a quarter is exported to China

Murcott mandarin planting area has grown year after year in recent years. According to statistics from the Agriculture and Food Agency, in 2018 (ROC year 107), Taiwan's total Murcott mandarin production area was 1,771.34 hectares, with a yield of 32,173.8 metric tons. Exports accounted for nearly one-third, totaling 10,785 metric tons, of which 7,798 metric tons were sold to China, meaning nearly a quarter of Taiwan's Murcott mandarins are exported to China.

Taiwan's top Murcott mandarin production areas are Dongshi in Taichung, Gukeng in Yunlin, Douliu in Yunlin and Dalin in Chiayi. Among them, Dongshi in Taichung had a total Murcott mandarin production of 8,453 metric tons in 2018 (ROC year 107), the highest in Taiwan, followed by Gukeng in Yunlin at 4,357 metric tons, Douliu in Yunlin at 2,606 metric tons and Dalin in Chiayi at 1,429 metric tons.

"Murcott mandarins are harvested gradually from south to north. The peak season for Murcott mandarins in Taichung is roughly mid-February to April." Jiang Guo-hu, director of the promotion department at the Dongshi District Farmers' Association, said that before the Lantern Festival, most Murcott mandarins come from the south, especially Yunlin-Chiayi. However, southern Murcott mandarins do not store well. Central Taiwan's Murcott mandarins are harvested and first cold-stored and released gradually. In previous years, exports began around mid-February, so exported Murcott mandarins mainly come from Dongshi in Taichung.

Dongshi District Farmers' Association: Weather caused an increase in B-grade fruit, while A-grade fruit exports and domestic buying sentiment were affected by the epidemic

Jiang Guo-hu said that with recent heavy rain and low temperatures, Murcott mandarins also developed anthracnose this year. It is estimated that Taiwan's Murcott mandarin production has dropped by about 30%. In previous years, the ratio of A-grade to B-grade fruit was 7:3; this year it is about 6:4.

"The epidemic disrupted our plans." Jiang Guo-hu said that although the quantity of A-grade fruit is lower than in previous years, it was originally enough to fulfill existing export orders. Agricultural authorities expected that although Murcott mandarin production declined, market prices would naturally rise to compensate for losses. However, the emergence of the novel coronavirus has reduced consumers' willingness to spend and greatly diminished buying sentiment. Channels are currently reporting less than optimistic news, and A-grade fruit already on shelves is selling below expectations.

Wu Bao-lai, head of the 81st Fruit Tree Production and Marketing Group in Dongshi District, Taichung, said his group is a specialized Murcott mandarin production area with 21 members and an annual output of over 1,000 metric tons. "Previously at least half was exported; this year only the farmers' association has placed orders." Wu Bao-lai said that due to the impact of the epidemic in China, from after Chinese New Year until now, they have only received 300 metric tons purchased through the farmers' association commissioned by the Taichung City Government. Export traders have visited the production area several times but have not placed orders. So far, the group has shipped part of its output to fruit and vegetable wholesale markets and a small amount for home delivery orders.

Why are there sales problems when production is down? Farmers' association: Epidemic affects consumption

Weather affecting fruit appearance plus the epidemic wreaking havoc, farmers lament being caught in a dilemma. "With (export) orders, A-grade fruit wouldn't be enough to supply, but now there are no orders at all, domestic buying sentiment is poor, and it's very hard to sell." "A-grade fruit won't move, B-grade fruit can only go to auction markets, all group members are losing money. This loss is more severe than a typhoon disaster." Wu Bao-lai said that Murcott mandarins are rarely processed, and B-grade fruit prices are poor. They have already reported the problem to the Agriculture and Food Agency and the District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, hoping government agencies can help match them with sales channels.

Farmers unanimously say Murcott mandarin production is down, but foreign orders have also decreased. Estimating domestic market demand at at least 20,000 metric tons, in theory the domestic market should be able to absorb existing Murcott mandarins. Why are farmers encountering sales problems? In response, Jiang Guo-hu believes: "Under normal circumstances, it is estimated that domestic sales would not be affected, but the epidemic affects everyone's consumption behavior."

"During the SARS year, buying sentiment was very poor from March to July, and only rebounded in August." Jiang Guo-hu said that based on the experience of the SARS year, people go out shopping less frequently and spending power declines, which is why farmers are having trouble selling.

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