Market insights on Mexican agriculture

Date:09-16-2016

Latin America stands out globally because of its high production potential in the agricultural sector. It is widely recognized that the territory holds a position of great importance as a food provider in the world market. The expansion of agricultural frontiers in the region was mainly driven by rising global demand for food and biofuels, which in turn is the result of population growth and changes in eating habits, spurring Latin America to become the fastest growing market for pesticides. As we know, the use of pesticides is very closely linked to problems with plant structure and the occurrence of disease. This series of articles offer a brief introduction to current market conditions, the main crops being produced, and the pests commonly seen in select Latin American countries, allowing readers to explore the options presented by this huge potential market.

The Mexican crop protection market is a mature market that has seen the introduction of some new pests and diseases, such as yellow aphids (Melanaphis sacchari), coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix), and tomato-potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli), which are an old problem that continues to be of major importance to the market. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), which can transmit the HLB pathogen, has also strongly affected citrus crops in Mexico. All of these pests have found new opportunities to spread within the market, forcing farmers to change their habits and find different ways of working and prompting the agrochemical industry to seek greater profitability through lower costs and maximized yields. 

The country possesses some 22 million hectares of cultivated land, growing approximately 320 different crops. Corn, pastures, sorghum, beans, and sugarcane are the top five crops by area. Nevertheless, avocados, citrus fruits, cucurbits, and solanaceae are also served widely by the agrochemical market.

The following table shows the main crops (by area) and corresponding pests/diseases/weeds in the Mexican market:



Agricultura Nacional  offers good business opportunity through its distribution channels and great strategies for the care of its customers in Mexico. “It is clear that present market circumstances provide benefits to the producer, as companies are always looking to provide better service to customers through technical support, product quality, good communication, and any other strategy that can strengthen the relationship.” the company notes.