The Valencia Region, known for its rich agricultural diversity and deep tradition in citrus cultivation, stands out as a fundamental pillar of the Spanish food system. This food system, rooted in a history of agriculture passed down through generations, faces today the challenges of modernization and sustainability in a rapidly evolving world.
The Role of Citrus in Valencian Agriculture
Among the region’s most emblematic crops, citrus fruits are not only an essential part of Valencian cultural identity but also significantly contribute to the local economy. Despite economic pressures that have reduced profitability in recent years, citrus cultivation remains the market leader, symbolizing both tradition and the potential for social progress.
The Valencia Region is the leading citrus-producing region nationally, both in terms of the area devoted to this crop (approximately 182,000 hectares, about 60% of the national total) and production (over 3 million tons annually, nearly 60% of national output). Valencian citrus cultivation has a strong export orientation, primarily aimed at fresh consumption with high quality standards. According to the FAO, Spain is among the top 10 producers worldwide, being the sixth largest in the world (FAOSTAT 2022).
Citrus Varieties Driving Innovation in Valencian Agriculture
In the Valencia Region, mandarins and oranges are predominantly produced (50% and 45% of total citrus production, respectively), with lemons to a lesser extent (less than 1%). Currently, about 35 varieties are grown, including prominent oranges like Navelina, Navelate, and Valencia Navel, and the mandarin Clemenules. Despite the excellent varietal structure available, continuous efforts are focusing on developing new citrus varieties that better adapt the citrus sector to market conditions. Focus areas include extending the production period, improving quality, and increasing output—key areas of innovation in Valencian agriculture.





The PHITO APP: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Valencian Agriculture
In response to the transformation and adaptation needs of modern agriculture, the idea of the PHITO app has emerged. Funded by the Horizon Europe Programme, PHITO aims to integrate digital technology into traditional farming practices, offering tools that improve equal opportunities and efficiency for Valencian farmers.
While not exclusively focused on citrus, PHITO aims to offer innovative solutions highly relevant to this sector, including:
- Advanced alert systems for effective water resource management and pest control.
- Accurate weather forecasts.
- Enhanced market access through digital platforms that directly connect farmers with consumers and retailers.
PHITO also strives to play a role in monitoring new citrus varieties, ensuring product quality, and tracking production status.
ATRIA Day: Promoting Knowledge and Innovation in Valencian Agriculture
Along this line, CACV has carried out the ATRIA Day where around a hundred advisors from the “Agrupaciones para Tratamientos Integrados en Agricultura” (ATRIA) across the Valencia Region gathered at this year-end event.
The ATRIA Network (Agrupaciones para Tratamientos Integrados en Agricultura) has been advising farmers for over 40 years on optimizing the management of their farms by implementing more environmentally friendly techniques for cultivation, pest and disease control, introducing technological innovations, and transferring innovation to real-world agricultural practices.
As the coordinating entity of the ATRIA Network, CACV’s duties include organizing regular meetings among the groups, both sectorial and/or territorial, as well as workshops that facilitate knowledge transfer among network members. During this meeting, the PHITO project was presented and contextualized among the technical advisors, highlighting its role in driving innovation in Valencian agriculture.


PHITO’s Vision: Sustainable Practices for a Thriving Future
PHITO’s vision is to facilitate a transition to more sustainable and profitable practices while preserving the agricultural heritage of the Valencia Region. With collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, technicians, and consumers, PHITO is positioned as a catalyst for protecting and evolving this legacy. Its contributions reflect the growing emphasis on innovation in Valencian agriculture, ensuring the region’s agricultural traditions adapt to modern challenges.