Even though many believe this could be detrimental, the industry believes it could help them improve production and achieve exports of 50 million pounds.
The harvest last year ended with a decline in exports, as they only produced 35 million pounds, i.e. 15 million pounds less than the optimal levels.
"Fortunately, the frosts in January didn't affect the crop," said Eddy Martinez, the manager of the DFT Agrotropic company, and chairman of the Mango Committee of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport).
According to producers, who hope to have a good 2017, this is a good omen.
Martinez said that for two years the mango exports failed to reach the 50 million pounds goal; however, they are betting they will achieve this goal in the current harvest. This would represent a 42.8% increase.
According to Alex Montenegro, director of Pomology and Agribusiness (DEFRUTA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, mango crops may be impacted by the effects of climate change, especially by the excessive rain, high temperatures, and the presence of pests and diseases caused by the environmental conditions.
New markets
Guatemala is about to export to Chile. The protocol has already been signed by Mario Mendez, Minister of Agriculture, and was sent to that country in the second week of February.
The country must wait for an official notification from the Government of Chile to send two inspectors to certify the packing plants that will export the mango to that country this year.
The mango export industry continues to make efforts to open new markets. Their next goal is to start negotiations and present export protocols to Korea and Japan this year.
Montenegro said that climate change has altered the life cycles of pests and that it was necessary to monitor the plantations to prevent the fruit from being damaged. That's why its so important to develop pest control plans that allows them to produce quality fruit and give consumers a safety assurance for this fruit, the official said.
Decrease in exports
Domestic production amounts to nearly 35,000 tons (seventy seven million pounds), 23 thousand tons (fifty million pounds) of which are exported for US $12 to US $14 million, according to market conditions.
95% of Guatemala's mango production is exported to the states of Florida, California, and New York in the United States, as they have the largest number of Latino consumers that demand the Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Keitt varieties. The remaining 5% is exported to other markets, such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Central America.
The rest of the production is for local consumption and agribusiness. Sales to the local market are estimated at approximately US $3 million. Last year, a new cold plant in Retalhuleu began operations.
This year, Guatemala is expected to export more than five million pounds of sliced and pulped, frozen mango to the Central American, European and American markets.
Source: prensalibre.com