Mexico: Nut production left 2,400 million pesos in profits in 2012
The Walnut Product System Mexican Committee showed producers the figures achieved at the end of December 31 2012 and explained the projects for 2013.
The President of the Walnut Product System Mexican Committee reported that even though 2,400 million pesos is a significant figure, the price of a ton last year was less than what it was in 2011 when it reached record numbers of 75 to 80 pesos per kilogram.
Last year’s price drop, said Baca Marquez was due to the high prices of the 2011 production which led to a decline in consumption, so there was still stock in the warehouses last year, so when the 2012 harvest started there were still walnuts available.
The established total area of walnut trees in the country is 98,071 hectares, Chihuahua with 60,250 planted hectares is positioned as the leading producer, followed by Coahuila with 11,527 hectares, Sonora participates with 9,078, Comarca Lagunera with 8,272 hectares, Nuevo Leon with 4,218, Durango with 2,104 hectares, Hidalgo has 1,170 hectares and other small States have 1,452 hectares.
The 60,000 tons were produced in 2012 on 39,000 acres, in full production. However there already are more than 20,000 hectares in development that will begin to produce in the next five years.
Gloria Baca noted that the Committee is aware of the changes in the market and is looking for productive projects in water management and orchard integration. They are also working in getting certifications for the Walnut Product to be exported with quality and safety seals as well as the Mexico Supreme Quality seal, and in certifying orchards.
Source: Omnia.com.mx