In Taquaritinga, in the interior of São Paulo state, lemon orchards represent an important part of local agriculture, supplying both the domestic and export markets. To meet demand, producers are using technology to monitor fruit quality. Machines assess lemons for appearance, weight, and internal defects before they reach consumers.
Producer Marco Antônio dos Santos manages 25,000 lemon trees and noted that maintaining year-round production requires irrigation, pruning, and constant monitoring for pests and diseases. "Brazilian Tahiti limes are the best in the world," he said, adding that the fruit requires balanced sunlight and water for proper development.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil produces more than 1.7 million tons of lemons annually, with São Paulo as the largest producing state. Production is largely centered on the Tahiti lime, the variety most exported and consumed domestically.
Despite the volumes, growers face challenges with price fluctuations and tight margins. Smaller farmers in particular report difficulties, with some leaving production due to unstable returns.
Lemon production in São Paulo remains an important contributor to local agriculture, linking orchards, packing operations, and export channels. While technology and management practices are helping to stabilize supply and improve quality, producers continue to balance investment in inputs and orchard care against the volatility of domestic and export markets.
Source: Abrafrutas