Mexico expects low apple production

Apple production in Mexico is expected to be rather low and apples sizes slightly smaller than those of last year. The forecast for 2017/18 (August/July) apple production is expected to be about 720,000 tons. Average yields are forecast at about 13 tons/ha. The main apple growing area of Chihuahua is expected to have a crop of about 580,000 tons, which is slightly lower due to adverse weather conditions and hail. Likewise, the apple size in Chihuahua is expected to be slightly smaller compared to 2016/17.  Yields in Chihuahua are usually the highest in the country and average between 15-25 tons/ha or more for well-tended orchards.

Planted areas for 2016/17 were revised downward based on official estimates from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA). States like Coahuila, Durango, and Puebla have decreased area planted between 2016/17 and 2017/18 as producers are discouraged from continuing with the crop due to problems with marketing domestic apples.