The blackberry harvest for the 2015-2016 cycle in the region of Los Reyes ended on June 12 and, despite the increase in surface in this cycle, it only amounted to 11 million half-pint boxes (2,400 kilograms). Estimates were the harvest would yield 20 million boxes destined for the export market. This harvest volume is the lowest achieved in the last 6 years in Los Reyes, as the production average ranges between 12 and 13 million boxes.
Producers, exporters, service providers, and agricultural technicians involved in the cultivation of blackberries in the region of Los Reyes agreed in a survey that harvest volume of the 2015-2016 cycle would not surpass the 11 million boxes.
According to sources, the low productivity in the cultivation of blackberry was mainly due to the climate changes that have affected the region: atypical intense rains and hailstorms (less hours of light); strong winds and thermal shock - extreme and contrasting temperatures, i.e. more than 34 ° C during the day and 9 ° C at dawn -, in addition to the proliferation of pests and diseases.
The sector believes the production volume will be 30% to 50% lower than expected, as they will only achieve producing 10 to 11 million boxes of the 20 million they had forecast for this harvest.
In contrast, and as a result of the shortage of quality fruit, the prices achieved have been among the best in recent crops.
Source: lavozdemichoacan.com.mx