Drought: the growing concern of lemon producers in Menton

Lemons from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) blackened and scorched from dryness. Adrian Gannac, citrus growerfeared until “40% loss”. Thanks to an exemption, he can, on certain plots, water his lemons drop by drop, from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Insufficient, according to him, because here, it has hardly rained for several weeks. “Since June, we haven’t had nights that drop below 25, 26 degrees”, deplore I’citrus grower, worried in the face of drought, but also in the face of temperatures “warm and constant”.

Rock Ciabaudanother citrus growerfears a reduction in the size of its citrus fruits. Without water, some fruits will not reach the regulatory 4.5 centimeters to be classified as PGI Menton lemons. In addition to the economic loss, there is growing concern for the future of Menton lemons. Peter’s family Ciabaud produced for four generations. The drought decree, which limits watering in the Alpes-Maritimes department, is in force until the end of August.