Jalisco producers anticipate increased avocado production despite drought

Despite drought and other climate challenges, avocado producers in Jalisco, Mexico, anticipate a 10% to 20% increase in production this season.

Despite anticipating smaller fruit due to the drought, avocado producers in Jalisco, Mexico, are projecting increased production for 2024. Eleazar Oceguera Aguayo, president of APEAJAL, told Portalfruticola.com that the season has been delayed because they are waiting for the fruit to reach the appropriate dry matter content. The delay is partly due to the drought affecting the country, and producers are responding responsibly by conserving water, implementing strategies to reduce consumption, and reforesting in conjunction with other associations.

Recent rains have allowed producers to store water for use during periods of drought. Oceguera mentioned that they expect to export 130,000 tons of avocados to the United States and about 70,000 tons to other destinations, including Japan, Canada, and the European Union. Currently, Jalisco exports to 30 destinations and continues working on certifications, hoping to open new markets such as China, Chile, and South Korea.

The state of Jalisco currently has 35,000 hectares in production and has added between 3,000 and 4,000 hectares this year. Oceguera indicated that they expect to reach 50,000 hectares soon, carefully managing the growing areas to avoid negative environmental impacts. Despite the upcoming period of high demand in the United States for the Fourth of July holiday, Jalisco will not increase its export volumes until the fruit reaches the appropriate size. It is estimated that export volume will increase within the next two weeks, ensuring year-round avocado availability.

Source: portalfruticola.com