According to Fidel Zavala Garcia, Secretary of the Strawberry Pro Market Association, strawberry producers from Irapuato could supply the demand for strawberries from Costa Rica, Canada and Japan. In addition, the producers have sent some testings of the product to China.
Zavala Garcia, said that their producers could send at least 50 percent of the area planted to these destinations.
"We are very excited that other countries are interested in our product and this makes us happy (...) Irapuato has even sent test products to Japan, and other places. We've noticed a difference, especially with the support of the governmental institutions," he said.
According to the data provided by the Strawberry System Product in Guanajuato, between 2015 and 2016 the modernization of the strawberry surface increased by a total of 300 thousand hectares and 400 hectares of raspberry were modernized, as well as 20 hectares of cranberry and 10 hectares of blackberry.
Zavala Garcia said that the strawberry producers could meet the demand from these countries and that would allow them to invest and increase the planted area throughout the state.
"It would benefit us all. The more exports there are, the more income there will be to benefit the state, not just Irapuato, as there are other municipalities that can also make shipments, such as Penjamo, Silao, Salamanca, and Abasolo. This really makes us happy," he said.
50 percent of the current surface of strawberry planted in Irapuato is committed, but producers said they could contribute for exports. However, they would continue to prioritize the domestic market.
"Most producers have the capacity to export strawberries. Hopefully, there will be a high demand. Right now we have enough production to supply the national and international market. We can't neglect the national market because our people come first. 2017 could be a good year for strawberries. I can't say that for certain, but there is a good prognosis," he concluded.
Source: am.com.mx
