Out of the Sonora region in Northern Mexico, squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes are the dominant crops this time of year. "I visited the region last week and I'm very optimistic about our production," says JC Myers with SunFed. "A cold spell a few weeks ago did slow down harvest, but beautiful produce is waiting for the weather to warm up."
This is the first season SunFed will be offering Roma tomatoes out of the Sonora region. "We've been bringing in Romas from other regions, but it has been a seasonal program. "Through this expansion, we aim to offer Roma tomatoes year-round. It is our goal to develop into a 52-week program in the next 12 months." In addition to year-round supply, the new growing region has also been added to diversify supply. "We feel it's important to work with growers in different regions, just to stay ahead of supply disruptions," added Myers. "In our programs with retailers, we anticipate fluctuations in supply and are careful not to overcommit. Offering Roma tomatoes from Sonora enables us to build in an extra level of surety."
Roma tomatoes.
Water and labor limitations
Mexican growers continue to be challenged by labor and water issues. Growers work hard to attract and keep labor on their ranches by giving workers and their families access to housing, schools, medical facilities, etc. Due to Mexico's expanding economy and growing middle class, more jobs become available outside agriculture, resulting in workers leaving the industry for other opportunities and making it more difficult for growers to find a stable labor force.
A lack of rainfall and limited water availability have been a challenge for several seasons. While water limitations aren't an issue this time of year, the pressure will come on again in the next few months. "It has been pretty dry and given that cities receive priority in water access over agriculture, access to water continues to be top of mind for growers. The situation is particularly precarious for growers who don't have their own wells," Myers said.
Green bell peppers.
Growers benefit from strong U.S. dollar
On a positive note, the strong value of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso puts growers in a better position. At the moment, the rate of the Mexican peso to the dollar is MEX$20.44 / USD $1. In the past four years, the Mexican peso was a lot stronger, in the MEX$15 – MEX$16 range. "The strengthening of the U.S. dollar we've been witnessing in the past eight months has been a bright spot as it opens up buying power for importers and increases export opportunities to the U.S." The expectation is for the U.S. dollar to remain strong through this year.
Squash field.
For more information:
JC Myers
SunFed Produce
Tel: +1 (831)915-5323
jcmyers@sunfed.net
www.sunfed.net