The coronavirus has had a strong impact on Mexico's berry export campaign, as its main destination markets, Asia, Europe, and the United States, are currently the regions that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector has been unable to ship its berries due to the global health emergency, so the fresh, dried, and processed berries will be diverted to the local and national markets to avoid further losses.
"Entrepreneurs are concerned because agricultural production can't be stopped. They have warned that there will be economic losses in the harvest of berries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. All of their product is for export. Shipments have dwindled or even stopped because all the destination countries are experiencing a situation similar to or worse than that of Mexico. There will be economic losses, workers fear massive layoffs. Yes, there is a catastrophic economic scenario for the municipality,” stated the mayor of Sayula, Daniel Carrion, in an interview for El Heraldo de Mexico.
The municipality of Sayula, located in the state of Jalisco, where berry production generates 70,000 direct jobs, has a direct link with foreigners through these berry companies, which represents a potential risk of contagion.
“Farmworkers may be the most vulnerable, we have many workers who expose themselves to contact with other people. There are people from other countries visiting the area and we have given them recommendations for weeks. We are monitoring the situation," he added.
Source: heraldodemexico.com.mx
