Weather Continues to Threaten Mexican Strawberry Production
Michoacán
By Eric Anderson
4.9.13
In recent years, rains, frosts, and high temperatures have reduced strawberry production by as much as 70 percent. In this region, environmental issues have combined with a lack of financial support threatening strawberry production in Michoacán.
In October of last year, rains fell at fell for almost eight days out of season, completely changing the plants' cycle, which account for 40% of the strawberry production in the Bajio area of Michoacan, explained José Sámano Zamora, a strawberry grower.
Zamora's inhabitants are also facing economic problems due to the payment of interests higher than 10% to maintain their crops.
"Most of the crops are funded with credits and these have very heavy interest rates," added the strawberry producer.
Strawberry producers consider it essential for the Federal and State governments to allocate more of their resources to the field, as most jobs are created by this sector.
