Mexico: Michoacán only exports 12.5% of citrus harvest

According to Sergio Ramírez Castañeda, chairman of the Sistema Producto Limón Mexicano, the Michoacán district only exports 12.5% of its annual output, in spite of being the country’s third-largest producer of citrus. Of the yearly supply of 800,000 tons, mostly coming from the Valle de Apatzingán, a mere 100,000 tons is shipped abroad.

Ramírez Castañeda said ways of exploring more commercial outlets and foreign markets are underway. Current promotional campaigns involving international trade are limited, according to the chairman. The only sizeable business partner so far is Russia.

In February 2013 a ship will sail to Russia with lemon, avocado, mango, prickly pear, mezcal and mining products, its major aim being the promotion of Mexican produce. This activity is linked to the design of consolidated purchases of the government, with 20,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizer of the Russian brand Uralchem. “The ship will introduce a small amount of Michoacán citrus to our Russian partners, in the hope of warming them to our produce,” said Sergio Ramírez Castañeda.

Source: Cambiodemichoacan