The recent drought in Mexico has caused a slight delay to the start of the avocado harvesting in Jalisco, Mexico. The grower body representing the avocado growers and exporters in the state of Jalisco says they were not affected by the recent ban of U.S. inspectors in the state of Michoacán. The industry in Jalisco could also not capitalise on the sudden gap in supply that opened up over the past two weeks following the recent week-long ban.
According to Eleazar Oceguera Aguayo, president of Jalisco's Avocado Industry body (APEAJAL), they could not pick up the slack and step in to meet demand during the recent ban in their neighbouring state. "We have no issues with the suspension; Jalisco is still sending fruit to the U.S. in compliance with the Operational Work Plan. We can't send more because we only have some authorized orchards with available fruit. It is the start of the season for us, we'll probably increase the volume in a week or two," explains Aguayo.
APEAJAL represents Jalisco's 3,200 avocado growers, with 23 packing and exporting companies active in the region. The state's key export markets are Japan, Canada, EU and the US, while they are looking to grow exports in India, Korea, China, Malaysia as well as Chile.
"For next year, we are planning on harvesting more than last year, because new orchards are coming into production. Jalisco will export to 30 countries, with 130,000 tons to the US and 70,000 tons to the other destinations that include Canada, Japan, the European Union and other markets of South America and the Middle East. In the U.S., we send fruit to California, Texas and Florida," states Aguayo.
He says they are waiting on the avocados to reach the right maturity level and will not increase volumes to meet another high demand period in the U.S., which is the 4th July holiday. "Right now, we are waiting for the fruit to reach the adequate dry matter percentage, as we are concerned with delivering fruit of great quality, so for the 4th of July we don't expect a rise in the exports."
Drought in Mexico has effect on all crops
Aguayo says the ongoing drought in Mexico has an effect on all crops grown in the country. "The drought affects all kind of growers. It has a heavy impact on avocado production, but we are implementing many strategies to cope with it. Fortunately, this week we are experiencing heavy rain and most growers have the means to store rainwater, and hopefully it will last at least five to six months to pull us through the dry season," he concludes.
For more information:
Yanmei King Loeza
Jalisco's Avocado Industry body (APEAJAL)
Tel: +52 553 971 2700
Email: [email protected]