Record Avocado Harvest Expected in Mexico

WASHINGTON - Dec 9/07 - SNS -- Mexico expects to harvest a record 1.1 million metric ton (MT) avocado crop in 2007-08, allowing exports to expand to 300,000 MT with 200,000 going to the United States, according to the U,S. agricultural attache for the country.

Last season's harvest also ended up larger than expected, finishing at 1,072,063 MT on account of excellent weather conditions during the growing season. Ample rains prior to blooming combined with beneficial weather contributed to the increased production. Reportedly, the cessation of the producers' practice of harvesting only 2 MT per hectare also contributed to the high production level.

The official forecast for total national area planted for 2007-08 is 117,283 hectares, slightly up from the revised 2006-07 planted area estimate. In recent years, planted area has increased because there is greater international demand for high-quality Mexican Hass avocados. Simultaneously, the APHIS list of authorized pest-free municipalities in Michoacan continues to grow. At this stage, 14 Michoacan municipalities are certified to export to the U.S., and it is expected that two more will be certified in the near future.

State authorities confirm that Michoacan has devoted roughly 98,000 hectares to Hass avocado production. Michoacan's neighboring states, specifically Jalisco and Mexico, have also increased their planted area. According to state government sources, growers of avocado plants in Michoacan nurseries are focusing their expansion efforts on the untapped markets in other states and not in Michoacan. Area planted for 2005-06 remains unchanged.

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