CITRICULTURA BRASILEIRA: DINÂMICA REGIONAL, DESAFIOS FITOSSANITÁRIOS E ESTRUTURA DE CUSTOS DE PRODUÇÃO

• Palavras-chave: : Custo de produção da laranja; Citrus sinensis; Cinturão citrícola; Gestão agropecuária.

• Keywords: Orange production cost; Citrus sinensis; Citrus belt; Farm management.

• Abstract: Brazilian citriculture plays a strategic role in national agribusiness and international trade, with Brazil ranking as the world’s leading producer of oranges and orange juice. Production is highly geographically concentrated in the citrus belt of São Paulo State and the Triângulo/Southwest region of Minas Gerais, which accounts for the majority of fruit destined for the processing industry. The sector faces structural challenges associated with phytosanitary pressure, particularly Huanglongbing (HLB), as well as climate variability and market fluctuations. The spread of HLB has resulted in yield decline, increased tree eradication, and a substantial rise in variable production costs, directly affecting orchard profitability. In addition, citriculture is characterized by high capital intensity, significant initial investments, and strong dependence on agricultural inputs and skilled labor. Although cost structure analyses indicate positive gross margins, long-term economic viability depends on managerial efficiency, strict operational cost control, and the adoption of effective production and market risk mitigation strategies.