A recent report released by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) claims that Nogales is widening its lead over South Texas as the heart of the 2013-14 Mexican produce season comes to a close.
Nearly 37% of the Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables that were consumed in North America, crossed through Nogales for the season beginning in September of 2013 and through April of 2014, according to a press release. This stat compares to approximately 28% of total volume for the crossing region in South Texas that includes Pharr and Progresso, Texas.
“The collective commitment to excellence from supporting agencies like Customs, FDA, USDA and Arizona Department of Agriculture reaffirms the region’s drive to continue to be the premier port of entry for perishable products,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Nogales, Arizona.
Data for the 2013 crossing report was gathered from the USDA website and reflects that Nogales experienced a 17% increase over the prior season versus other ports. This is due to several factors, including improvements at the new Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, which are decreasing the amount of time a truck waits in line at the border.
According to the data, items seeing a notable percentage increase through Nogales include:
• Oranges, up 295%, from 12,910,000 pounds in 2012-13 to 51,010,000 pounds in 2013-14
• Seedless watermelon, up 78%, from 370,050,000 pounds in 2012-13 to 657,120,000 pounds in 2013-14
• Cantaloupe, up 52%, from 25,720,000 pounds in 2012-13 to 39,220,000 pounds in 2013-14
• Squash, up 23%, from 446,930,000 pounds in 2012-13 to 551,070,000 pounds in 2013-14
• Cucumbers, up 14%, from 587,340,000 pounds in 2012-13 to 667,230,000 pounds in 2013-14
“There has never been a better time to be in the Mexican produce importing business, and Nogales has all the tools needed to continue to capitalize on this growth,” Jungmeyer said. “Growers in West Mexico continue to invest in new technology and seed varieties to expand their seasons and bring new produce to market. In the future, we probably won’t even see the historical drop-off in the summertime.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we watch the numbers grow for Mexican produce crossings.
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Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and its members help to ensure North America’s uninterrupted access to…
