A hesitant start on the farm

Ortega was born into a coffee-farming family spanning four generations. She watched her parents work tirelessly while volatile commodity prices eroded their income.

“The producer is always the one most affected by prices,” she says. “I saw my parents work so hard, and it didn’t seem profitable.”

Determined to avoid that path, she pursued business administration and cultural tourism and built her career in an office. “I spent my whole life in an office. I just couldn’t see myself in the countryside,” she recalls.

Her outlook didn’t shift when her parents gifted her a small plot of unused land.
“Instead of feeling excited, it felt like a burden. I thought: What on earth am I going to do with this?”

Discovering her roots

For years, the land sat untouched — until a quiet walk among the trees changed everything.

“Walking in the countryside connects you to something deeper,” she says. “You hear birdsong, rustling leaves. That’s when I realized, this is where I come from.”

She decided to grow organic coffee, combining her love of nature with a desire to protect it. At the time, organic coffee was a niche market in Mexico and widely viewed as unprofitable.

“Everyone told me it wouldn’t work,” she recalls. “But the truth is, I’m stubborn. I didn’t listen.”

Today, Finca Los Pinos has been carbon-neutral for six years, having evolved from a small experiment into a benchmark for sustainable coffee production in Mexico.

Turning setbacks into opportunities

By the mid-2000s, Ortega faced serious obstacles. Running the farm alone had taken a mental toll, and coffee rust, a devastating fungus, was beginning to sweep through her plants.

“I told my husband, ‘I don’t think we can survive,’” she says. The two had deliberately kept their careers separate — until the crisis forced a change.

Her husband, an agronomist, proposed a bold solution: replanting the entire farm with rust-resistant varieties. It required removing healthy trees and making a major financial gamble.

“I thought it would bankrupt us,” Ortega says. “But it was the best decision we could have made.”

His agricultural expertise, paired with her business instincts, transformed the farm’s future.

Every bean counts

Today, Finca Los Pinos produces specialty-grade organic coffee, yielding about 50 bags of 70 kilograms each (154 pounds) each harvest. But Ortega doesn’t stop at beans.

“The word ‘waste’ doesn’t exist on this farm.”

Coffee pulp becomes compost or protein-rich flour; spent grounds go into handmade soaps and exfoliants; premium beans are turned into coffee liqueur.

The farm also offers low-impact agro-tourism, developed with the support of Mexico’s National Commission for Biodiversity, giving visitors a close look at sustainable coffee production in a protected region.

Innovation born from experience

For Ortega, coffee farming is both a science and an art. Her hands-on approach includes a method she jokingly calls the “dentometer”—biting a bean lightly to test its readiness.

“When you touch the coffee, it sounds a certain way and feels a certain way,” she says. “You just know when it’s ready.”

One harvest, a processing machine broke down. Instead of losing the crop, she took a risk and tried drying whole coffee cherries, a method rarely used in Puebla’s humid climate.

The process took 25 days. The result: a high-scoring batch with exceptional flavor.

“People couldn’t believe it,” she laughs. “They told me, ‘We hope your machine breaks more often!’ Sometimes the best innovations come from crisis.”

From Puebla to the world

What began as a family plot now exports 60–70% of its coffee to Denmark, Japan, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

In Mexico, Ortega sells to large roasters, Michelin-starred restaurants and small local micro-roasters.

“They put all their passion into it,” she says. “Sometimes they care more about quality than the big companies because they’re face-to-face with their customers.”

The farm is certified organic in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada — a costly but crucial step, Ortega notes, to maintain consumer trust amid widespread food fraud concerns.

Labor shortages in rural Mexico

Finca Los Pinos employs 10 permanent staff, expanding to 15–20 during harvest. But Ortega says finding agricultural workers is increasingly difficult.

“The dream for many day laborers is to work in the United States,” she explains. “They go north to work in vineyards and strawberry fields where foreign companies pay better.”

Her concern extends far beyond her farm: “Without agriculture, we have no food. It’s that simple.”

Life rooted in the countryside

Ortega’s day begins at 5:30 a.m. with a breakfast of café con pan before moving between administrative tasks and long hours in the field. During harvest, she often finishes after sunset.

“When you work on a farm, there are no office hours,” she says. “Nature binds you. It roots you in place.”

When her husband once suggested moving to a larger city, she refused. “Leaving the countryside would be leaving a part of myself.”

A legacy grounded in impact

For Ortega, success is defined not by profit, but by influence and community impact. Neighboring farms have adopted her conservation practices, and visitors often leave inspired.

On one tour, a woman stepped forward and asked, “Do you remember me?” She turned out to be Ortega’s childhood teacher.

“She told me, ‘Julia, you always wanted to be a superhero and help the planet. Maybe you’re not Wonder Woman, but you’re doing exactly what you were meant to do.’”

Moments like that remind Ortega why she does this work: One farm, one community, and one coffee bean at a time.

Irena Vélez is a journalist at Wikifarmer.com, based in Seville, Spain. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism Honours from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and has a background in agricultural reporting. She writes research-based articles on sustainable farming, crop management and rural entrepreneurship, helping make agricultural knowledge accessible to farmers worldwide.

For readers looking to dive deeper into the protected agriculture sector, Wikifarmer offers expert insights, market data, and crop trends. Wikifarmer empowers farmers, agribusiness professionals, and industry observers through four key pillars: the Wikifarmer Marketplace, connecting producers with buyers around the world; the Wikifarmer Library, a free knowledge hub with thousands of expert-authored articles on crops, technologies and best practices; the Wikifarmer Academy, offering online courses with certifications to enhance agricultural skills; and Wikifarmer Price Insights, providing real-time market intelligence on key commodities. By combining practical expertise with up-to-date data, Wikifarmer helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in Mexico’s booming greenhouse and horticulture industry.

The post Julia Ortega: The woman behind Mexico’s first carbon-neutral coffee farm appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The survey provides an unusual chance for farmers in agriculturally, economically, environmentally and culturally diverse nations to share on-the-ground, region-specific information on more human-related farming issues, such as the impact on farmers of fluctuating market access, climate change and a rapidly changing farming technology landscape.

The wide diversity of Mexican farming 

From small-scale maize and bean producers to large horticultural operations powering export markets, Mexico’s agricultural landscape is incredibly diverse — and so are the challenges. Issues such as water scarcity, rising input costs, pricing changes and extreme weather events affect Mexico’s widely varied regions differently. 

Unlike many global reports on farming — which end up treating countries as monolithic entities — the Global Farmer Survey aims to collect real insights from producers around the world — including the regional-specific information often missing from international datasets. The platform is especially encouraging participation from Mexico to ensure the country’s diverse agricultural realities are represented.

The survey also provides a way for producers to showcase the innovation happening across Mexico’s farms — from drip-irrigation in arid zones to regenerative soil practices and advanced greenhouse systems. Wikifarmer believes that including success stories like these in its global dataset ensures that future international agricultural discussions will better reflect the country’s ingenuity, resilience and day-to-day realities of farming in Mexico.

In order to encourage busy farmers to participate, the survey is quick — under 3 minutes — and fully anonymous. Participants can also enter a prize drawing for US $1,000 in agricultural inputs — redeemable at a certified supply store in the winner’s region and enter to win one of 10 chances at a free online course from the Wikifarmer Academy online platform.

What the survey asks — and why it matters

The survey explores key issues shaping farmers’ daily lives, including:

• Production challenges
• Climate pressures
• Market access and pricing
• Mental health and well-being
• Tools, technology, and resource needs

Wikifarmer will use the anonymous data to identify global and regional patterns to inform future guides, reports and educational resources. 

These findings, Wikifarmer says, will help farmers, policymakers and agricultural innovators better understand what producers actually need.

How farmers can participate 

The anonymous, no-obligation Wikifarmer survey can be completed here. Learn more about the survey and view the terms and conditions of participating here. 

“Help strengthen global agricultural knowledge,” Wikifarmer said in a recent press release on the survey targeting Mexican farmers, “starting with your story.”

Irena Vélez is a journalist at Wikifarmer, based in Seville, Spain. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism (Honours) from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and reports on a range of topics, including agriculture, sustainability, and agribusiness.

The post Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Water availability and distribution: The startling statistics

Agriculture consumes roughly 76% of Mexico’s water resources, yet much of this is lost due to poor infrastructure and outdated irrigation practices.

Mexico uses 461,640 million cubic meters of renewable water per year. However, water availability is unevenly distributed. The north, central and northwest areas of the country — where most people and industries are concentrated — have far less renewable water than the southeast. This disparity presents challenges for agricultural planning and equitable access to water.

Agriculture relies on a combination of surface water (64%) and groundwater (36%). Irrigation infrastructure includes:

• 6,500 storage dams and reservoirs
• 6.7 million hectares of irrigated farmland
• 2.8 million hectares of technified rain-fed agriculture

Despite this, studies estimate 40% to 65% of agricultural water is lost due to leaks, poor irrigation and evaporation.

Export agriculture and the water footprint

The sheer volume of water consumed by Mexican agriculture is driven by powerful economic forces, particularly the demand for high-value export crops in the United States and global markets. 

A significant amount of water is used to irrigate highly water-intensive crops tied to the boom in fresh produce exports. Avocados, blueberries, and asparagus — all of which require a lot of water — generate substantial revenue but place immense stress on local water reserves, particularly in high-stress states like Jalisco and Michoacán.

Livestock also drains the water supply. Growing alfalfa and other fodder crops to support Mexico’s massive cattle industry consumes vast amounts of water, often relying entirely on depleted groundwater sources.

This dynamic creates an ethical and resource conflict: national water reserves are leveraged to grow profitable goods for international consumption, while local smallholder farmers and domestic food security are increasingly marginalized due to declining water tables.

Overexploitation and climate change: A perfect storm

The current dire situation is a combination of high water consumption, high waste and environmental limits, particularly in the northern and central arid and semi-arid regions.

Overexploitation of aquifers

Mexico relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, with estimates indicating that about one-third of its irrigated land is supplied by aquifers. Of the country’s 653 officially recognised aquifers, many are being extracted unsustainably, and as of 2023, 115 are classified as overexploited, leading to declining water tables, higher pumping costs, salinization and seawater intrusion. Overexploitation is particularly severe in the arid northern and central regions, where groundwater is essential for irrigation during droughts. 

Climate pressures

Climate change is intensifying the water scarcity in agriculture. Projections indicate:

• Temperature increases of 0.5 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius across the country by the end of the century.
• Rainfall declines of up to 20.3% in some regions.
• More frequent and severe droughts, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

These shifts could reduce yields of key crops such as corn and sorghum by more than 40% in rain-fed regions under high-emissions scenarios.

Water and social conflict: The struggle for equity

The water crisis is bigger than it seems; it has become a deep-seated social conflict over who gets access to a dwindling resource.

There is a disproportionate impact on smallholders. Overexploitation primarily impacts small rural producers who rely on shallow wells and cannot afford the high pumping costs or technological investments necessary to access deeper water or implement drip irrigation. When water tables drop, these vulnerable farmers are often the first to lose their livelihoods, accelerating rural poverty and migration.

To make this worse, government programs aimed at recovering water often reallocate it to urban centers, generating resistance from rural communities, who frequently feel left out of the picture.

Government initiatives for sustainable water management

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Mexican government has initiated several programs to address agricultural water inefficiency.

National Irrigation Modernization Program

The National Irrigation Modernization Program aims to technologically improve over 200,000 hectares of irrigated land and assist 225,000 agricultural producers. Its goals include:

• Lining and piping canals, installing flow meters and automating gates to recover up to 40% of lost water.
• Adoption of drip, micro-sprinkler and sprinkler systems, which can reduce water use by up to 60% compared with flood irrigation
• Minimizing runoff and maximizing irrigation efficiency.

The recovered water is reallocated to urban centers and aquifer recharge, especially targeting drought-prone areas like Sinaloa, Hidalgo and Coahuila-Durango. 

Proposed water law reform

The government’s General Water Law reform emphasises sustainable management, state oversight and equitable access. Key provisions include:

• Farmers retain existing water rights.
• Incentives for efficient irrigation technologies (PEUA program).
• Prevention of illegal water trading and hoarding.
• Promotion of water reuse and aquifer recharge.
• Creation of a National Water Registry and Reserve Fund.
• Penalties for misuse while protecting compliant users.
• Strategic planning for short-, medium-, and long-term water allocation.

Enforcement barriers to change

Despite efforts to modernize, water waste in Mexico remains a significant problem due to political and structural barriers. The government heavily subsidizes electricity for pumping groundwater, making it cheap for large farmers and removing any incentive to save water or use efficient technology. Most of these benefits go to a small group of wealthy farmers. Powerful farming lobbies block reforms, like water meters and fair pricing.

CONAGUA also struggles to enforce the rules due to a lack of funding and political support. As a result, many break the law, illegal wells are common, and water is diverted without permission, making conservation efforts largely ineffective.

On-Farm strategies for water security

Beyond federal change, sustainable water management requires integrated, farm-level approaches.

Technological solutions

Digital technologies are transforming water management. Earth Observation (EO) data from satellites enables the monitoring of drought and water allocation in irrigation districts. Data-driven systems, such as CARLOTA, utilise real-time analytics to help farmers reduce their water usage by approximately 20%.

Agronomic innovations

Conservation and regenerative farming are set to come to the fore. No-till farming, drought-tolerant crops, and adjusted planting calendars reduce water demand and improve soil health. Wastewater upcycling will also allow aquatic plants, such as Lemna, to treat agricultural wastewater and recover nutrients for reuse.

This wastewater recovery will be supplemented by rainwater harvesting. Systems that capture and purifiy local rainfall to supplement irrigation and reduce pressure on centralised water systems.

Collaboration: Everyone’s role in water security

Sustainable water management requires shared responsibility among government, farmers and industry. Key strategies include:

• Volumetric measurement: Mandatory metering to prevent over-extraction, especially from aquifers.
• Empowering user associations: Strengthening irrigation districts to manage infrastructure and enforce sustainable practices.
• Integrated policy: Coordinating agricultural, environmental and social priorities under a unified framework.
• Capacity building: Training farmers and local technicians in efficient irrigation and climate-resilient practices.

Mexico’s water challenge sits at the crossroads of climate change, agricultural productivity and social equity. Long-term water security will depend on sustained commitment to efficiency, innovation and integrated governance that ensures every drop counts — for farms, urban areas and the environment alike.

Irena Vélez is a journalist at Wikifarmer.com, based in Seville, Spain. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism Honours from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and has a background in agricultural reporting. She writes research-based articles on sustainable farming, crop management and rural entrepreneurship, helping make agricultural knowledge accessible to farmers worldwide.

For readers looking to dive deeper into the protected agriculture sector, Wikifarmer offers expert insights, market data, and crop trends. Wikifarmer empowers farmers, agribusiness professionals, and industry observers through four key pillars: the Wikifarmer Marketplace, connecting producers with buyers around the world; the Wikifarmer Library, a free knowledge hub with thousands of expert-authored articles on crops, technologies and best practices; the Wikifarmer Academy, offering online courses with certifications to enhance agricultural skills; and Wikifarmer Price Insights, providing real-time market intelligence on key commodities. By combining practical expertise with up-to-date data, Wikifarmer helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in Mexico’s booming greenhouse and horticulture industry.

The post Is Mexico’s agricultural sector experiencing a water crisis? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

This article explores the scale, location, financial dynamics and technological innovations driving the Mexican protected horticulture sector forward. 

The scale of Mexico’s protected agriculture boom

The growth of protected agriculture has been remarkable over the last two decades, fueled by export demand, government incentives, and modern production technology.

From 1999 to 2019, the area dedicated to protected agriculture skyrocketed:

• 1999: 1,853 acres (750 hectares, or ha)
• 2010: 37,065 acres (15,000 ha)
• 2019: 133,808 acres (54,150 ha)

The Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC) manages roughly 23,107 acres (9,351 ha) of protected structures across 24 states. AMHPAC members have been expanding at an average of 3,707 acres (1,500 ha) annually, historically supported by government subsidies totaling 7 billion pesos (US $550 million) between 2001 and 2018.

Financial and productivity advantages

While investment costs are high, returns in protected agriculture are exceptional:

In 2018, protected agriculture accounted for only 2% of Mexico’s fruit and vegetable acreage but generated 17% of sector revenue. Controlled environments boost yields, delivering productivity up to seven times higher than open-field farming.

Production cycles extend from 12–15 weeks in open fields to 38–40 weeks under protection, enabling year-round harvests. This combination of high efficiency and longer production cycles makes protected agriculture an attractive option for investors and exporters.

Production hotspots and regional specialization 

Mexico’s diverse geography shapes the type of protective structures used, creating regional specialization. Approximately 57% of Mexico’s total protected agriculture area is concentrated in Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Michoacán.

Northern/Northwestern states, such as Sinaloa (the leading tomato producer, contributing 22% of the national total) and Sonora, predominantly use shade houses. Their warmer climate and lower rainfall make this cheaper structure suitable for pest management and quality control.

The Central Highlands (the Bajío region), including Jalisco, Michoacán, Querétaro, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosí, have adopted greenhouses and plastic tunnels. Their altitude and lower temperatures necessitate the use of plastic coverings to regulate the climate and extend the growing season, allowing for stable, year-round production.

In 2019, protected agriculture areas were composed of 46% shade houses, 28% plastic tunnels and 26% greenhouses.

What Mexico grows

In Mexico’s protected agriculture sector, the vast majority of production — over 96% — is dedicated to high-value fruits and vegetables for export. The industry focuses on crops that offer strong returns on investment and meet the strict quality standards of international markets. The leading greenhouse crops produced (by AMHPAC members, rather than small-scale producers) are tomatoes (66%), peppers (18%) and cucumbers (15%), with berry production rising.

Tomatoes are a cornerstone crop, with approximately 67%-70% of total national production occurring in protected structures. Total national tomato production (protected and open field) reached an estimated 3.3 million metric tons in 2024. This has made Mexico the dominant supplier in the U.S. import market; in 2023, 88% of all greenhouse-grown tomatoes sold in the U.S. originated from Mexico.

Peppers and cucumbers, meanwhile are key high-yield exports. Bell pepper production in a high-tech hydroponic greenhouse averages between 28 and 30 kilograms per square meter. Along with cucumbers, they benefit significantly from Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. and Canada, given their short shelf life. The national output of green chile peppers was approximately 612,000 metric tons.

Surprisingly, perhaps, the production of high-value berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries) is one of the fastest-growing segments, leveraging protected environments to produce higher-quality products and making them a major U.S. export.

Export orientation: Supplying North America

The Mexican protected agriculture sector is a heavily export-driven model that leverages its climate to fill the winter market window in other countries.

An estimated 78% of all vegetables produced under protected agriculture are exported to the United States, with an additional 5% destined for Canada. The U.S. heavily relies on Mexican greenhouse produce, importing 1.82 million metric tons of Mexican tomatoes in 2023, valued at US $2.7 billion, which accounts for approximately 93% of Mexico’s total tomato exports.

This success has led to long-standing political friction. The industry has been combating the threat of tariffs from U.S. growers since 1996, with current tariffs standing at nearly 21% on Mexican tomatoes.

Domestic consumption is primarily a residual market. The highest-quality produce is channeled into the high-paying export market first, and the remaining supply is allocated to domestic markets.

Challenges and the push for sustainability

The need to mitigate risk and increase efficiency is driving the industry toward high-tech, climate-smart agriculture:

Resource scarcity

Drought and water scarcity are the most pressing environmental challenges, particularly in the northern irrigated regions. The industry faces intense pressure as agriculture is the largest water consumer and a major contributor to water pollution via nitrogen fertilizer runoff into aquifers and rivers. 

The industry is responding to the challenge by utilizing advanced hydroponics and irrigation systems, which significantly increase water-use efficiency. AMHPAC has initiated a project to formally measure the sector’s water footprint in 2024 to diagnose usage and improve efficiency.

Labor and costs

The shortage of skilled labor and rising labor costs are pressing challenges. Qualified agricultural workers are increasingly migrating to the U.S. and Canada, making recruitment expensive and limited. This necessitates the adoption of automation and robotics to maintain productivity. 

The industry, through organizations like AMHPAC, is focusing on improving working conditions, social responsibility and training to stabilize its workforce. Protected agriculture generated around 110,000 permanent jobs and 120,000 seasonal positions across the sector in 2024, according to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).

Pests and diseases

New and virulent pathogens, such as the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), pose a threat, causing substantial economic losses and accelerating the need for investment in disease-resistant varieties and strict biosafety measures.

Economic pressure

The recent strength of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar has slowed growth over the past two years, as it makes Mexican exports less competitive in cost.

Clean energy transition and its impact on protected agriculture

Mexico’s national renewable energy strategy is increasingly shaping the future of its agricultural sector. The government has set an ambitious target of raising the share of renewable energy from 18% in 2023 to 45% by 2030, fueled by investments in solar, wind and energy storage. This clean energy transition is expected to reduce electricity costs and improve reliability, benefiting energy-intensive industries like protected horticulture.

With some of the world’s best solar conditions, Mexican producers are well-positioned to adopt on-site solar systems and participate in distributed generation schemes. Here are the key figures: 

• Solar photovoltaic potential: 24.9 GW
• Wind potential: 3.7 GW
• Conventional geothermal potential: 2.5 GW
• Hydropower capacity: 1.2 GW

Much of Northern and Central Mexico, as well as the Baja California Peninsula, enjoys excellent solar conditions, with daily yields greater than 4.5 kWh/kWp (an energy output efficiency ratio), making it ideal for greenhouse operations. Many large-scale growers have already installed photovoltaic panels and solar-powered irrigation pumps, offsetting the high energy costs of heating, cooling and automated fertigation.

In addition, Mexico’s 2025 grid code requires new solar and wind installations to integrate battery storage equal to at least 30% of their capacity, ensuring grid stability — a critical factor for agricultural operations that demand consistent electricity.

Trends in growth and diversification

The industry is transitioning from basic protection structures to high-tech, climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

The Mexican vertical farming market is set for explosive growth, projected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.66% (2025–2030). This signals a shift to ultra-efficient indoor production. Hydroponics is the dominant technique (64.1% market share). While lighting held the largest component sales share in 2024 (45.9%), sensors are forecast to be the fastest-growing component (17.8% CAGR), indicating a greater reliance on automated, data-driven climate control systems.

Mexico’s capacity for organic production is also expanding, with exports such as avocados, berries and tomatoes becoming a significant component of trade. 

AMHPAC is actively working to establish phytosanitary protocols to target Asian markets, such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea, regions that offer premium prices for high-quality Mexican products. A key strategic goal is to establish facilities for lycopene extraction from non-export-quality tomatoes, which will be sold to international buyers. This pioneering bioeconomy model converts agricultural waste into a high-value industrial product.

Mexico’s protected agriculture industry has matured into a highly specialized, globally essential sector. While facing challenges in labor, water and disease management, continued technological investment, innovation and strategic geographic advantage ensure its ongoing growth. As a year-round supplier of high-value produce, the sector remains a cornerstone of Mexico’s agricultural exports and a model for modern, climate-smart horticulture.

Irena Vélez is a journalist at Wikifarmer.com, based in Seville, Spain. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism Honours from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and has a background in agricultural reporting. She writes research-based articles on sustainable farming, crop management and rural entrepreneurship, helping make agricultural knowledge accessible to farmers worldwide.

For readers looking to dive deeper into the protected agriculture sector, Wikifarmer offers expert insights, market data, and crop trends. Wikifarmer empowers farmers, agribusiness professionals, and industry observers through four key pillars: the Wikifarmer Marketplace, connecting producers with buyers around the world; the Wikifarmer Library, a free knowledge hub with thousands of expert-authored articles on crops, technologies and best practices; the Wikifarmer Academy, offering online courses with certifications to enhance agricultural skills; and Wikifarmer Price Insights, providing real-time market intelligence on key commodities. By combining practical expertise with up-to-date data, Wikifarmer helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in Mexico’s booming greenhouse and horticulture industry.

The post A greenhouse empire: Inside Mexico’s booming protected agriculture industry appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Sector overview

Agriculture has shaped Mexico’s economy, food security and culture for millennia. Staple grains like maize remain central to daily life, while high-value exports such as avocados, berries and tomatoes drive foreign trade earnings.

Agriculture contributes 3.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), yet it punches above its weight in trade: Agri-food exports reached US $19.4 billion from January through October 2024. Mexico’s agricultural sector encompasses 49 million acres (20 million hectares), with 47 million acres (19.2 million hectares) harvested in 2024, generating a total production value of 855.8 billion pesos (US $45.36 billion). 

Trade agreements — most notably the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)—have strengthened market access, while new opportunities in Asia are emerging for tequila, coffee and specialty fruits.

The following analysis examines the five most significant crops by production value and volume, highlighting their market performance, pricing trends and economic contributions. Official data is drawn from Mexico’s Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).

Challenges

Despite its strengths, the sector faces persistent hurdles:

• Water scarcity: Northern states such as Sonora and Chihuahua are confronting dwindling reservoir levels, threatening irrigation-dependent crops like wheat and corn.
• Climate change: Increased drought frequency and unpredictable rainfall disrupt planting cycles and reduce yields.
• Smallholder vulnerability: More than 70% of Mexican farmers are smallholders with limited access to credit, insurance and modern technologies, leaving them exposed to market volatility and extreme weather.
• Market pressures: Peso appreciation has reduced dollar-denominated returns on exports such as avocados, while global competition is intensifying in key crops like tomatoes and berries.

Innovation

Mexico is addressing these challenges through technology and new business models:

• Water-efficient farming: Drip irrigation, precision agriculture and protected cropping systems (greenhouses and shade houses) are gaining ground, improving yields while conserving water.
• Genetic research: Public and private institutions are developing drought-resistant maize varieties to stabilize production.
• Cooperatives & fair trade: Smallholder cooperatives are helping farmers secure better prices, especially for coffee and beans.
• Urban agriculture: Projects in Mexico City and other major urban centers connect consumers directly with growers, reducing food miles and supporting local economies.
• Sustainable certification: Organic farming and fair-trade certification are expanding, particularly in export-oriented crops such as berries and coffee.

1. Corn: The heart of Mexican cuisine

Corn is Mexico’s most valuable agricultural crop, generating 172 billion pesos in production value in 2023. More than a food source, corn is central to national identity. Archaeological evidence traces the domestication of maize in southern Mexico over 9,000 years ago, and millions of small-scale farmers still cultivate native landraces, preserving biodiversity and traditional methods.

• Production: Forecast at 23.5 million metric tons (MMT) for marketing year (MY) 2024-2025, a 16% decrease from the previous year due to drought. Spring–summer cycle production was 18.6 MMT, while fall–winter cycle production contributed 4.9 MMT, a 45% drop due to severe drought in Sinaloa. White corn production reached 18.5 MMT, with Sinaloa contributing significantly. Mexico is on track for white corn self-sufficiency in 2025, with national availability projected to exceed 2 MMT.
• Market prices: The government-guaranteed price for small producers is 5,840 pesos per ton (2025). Prices showed volatility due to drought and production variations, with white corn prices remaining mostly stable or slightly declining between October and December 2024.
• Outlook: MY 2025–2026 forecast: 24.5 MMT, a 7% increase driven by higher local prices and reduced domestic stocks. The Harvesting Sovereignty Program aims to boost white corn production to 25 MMT by 2030.

2. Avocados: Mexico’s ‘green gold’

Avocados are Mexico’s second-most valuable crop, with a production value of 60 billion pesos in 2023. Mexico is the world’s largest avocado exporter, with Michoacán dominating global markets.

• Production: 2024 forecast: 2.77 MMT, a 5% increase over 2023 (2.65 MMT), driven by strong export demand, particularly from the U.S. Michoacán: 73% of national output; Jalisco: 12%; State of Mexico: 5%. Planted area: 636,470 acres (257,571 hectares) in 2023, up 2% from the previous year.
• Market prices: Export value decreased 12% in 2023 despite higher volumes due to peso appreciation. Local producers reported lower prices because of smaller average fruit sizes caused by drought and above-average temperatures.
• Outlook: Favorable growing conditions and conversion from traditional crops to high-value avocado orchards, particularly in Jalisco, support near-term growth. Expansion continues, replacing corn, wheat, and pasture areas. Environmental scrutiny on deforestation could influence future planting.

3. Tomatoes: A key export crop

Tomatoes are a major Mexican export, particularly to the U.S., Canada and Europe. 

• Production: 2024 forecast: 3.30 MMT, up 2% from 2023 (3.22 MMT), driven by export demand and investments in protected agriculture systems. Leading producers: Sinaloa (22%), San Luis Potosí (13%), Michoacán (7%). Harvested area in 2023: 114,457 acres (46,319 hectares), producing 3.22 MMT.
• Market prices: The U.S. is the top export market, with 1.82 MMT valued at US $2.7 billion in 2023, representing a 1% volume increase and 10% value increase from 2022.
• Outlook: Transition toward greenhouses, shade houses and high tunnels mitigates climate risks. While short-term production may drop, yields and quality are expected to improve over time.

4. Beans: A cultural mainstay

Beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine, important for nutrition and cultural identity.

• Production: Forecast at 1.01 MMT for MY 2024-2025, a 41% rebound from the drought-driven low of 724,000 tons in 2023-2024. Recovery is due to a 32% increase in planted area and improved rainfall. Zacatecas and Sinaloa are primary producers; Sinaloa harvest expected 150,000–180,000 tons, surpassing the internal demand of 100,000 tons.
• Market prices: The government-guaranteed price is 27,000 pesos per ton (2025), the highest among major crops. Imports surged 230% in 2023 to 313,000 tons valued at US $369 million.
• Outlook: President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Prosebien program aims to boost output by 300,000 tons annually, targeting a 30% production increase over six years to reduce imports and achieve food sovereignty.

5. Wheat: A culinary staple

Wheat, introduced during Spanish colonial times, is essential for bread production. It faces significant drought-related challenges, particularly in northwestern states.

• Production: MY 2024–2025: 2.6 MMT, down 25% from the previous year. Winter cycle: 2.53 MMT, affected by prolonged drought and record-low water levels in Sonora and Sinaloa reservoirs.
• Market prices: Government-guaranteed price: 7,600 pesos per ton. To offset reduced domestic production, imports are forecast at 5.7 MMT, up 6%.
• Outlook: MY 2025–2026: forecast 1.7 MMT, down 36%, with imports projected at 6.4 MMT. Farmers are increasingly shifting to less water-intensive crops.

Conclusion

Mexico’s agricultural sector is a global leader, combining rich tradition, diverse crops and strong export performance. Challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and smallholder vulnerability persist, but innovation, sustainable practices and government programs are strengthening resilience. Balancing heritage, modern technology and global market demand will be key to ensuring Mexico’s continued prominence in agriculture.

As agriculture continues to evolve, access to reliable data and expert knowledge becomes increasingly important. Wikifarmer is an international platform that empowers farmers and agribusiness professionals through three core pillars: the Wikifarmer Marketplace, which connects producers with buyers globally; the Wikifarmer Library, a free knowledge hub with thousands of articles authored by experts; and Wikifarmer Price Insights, which provides up-to-date market intelligence on key crops and commodities. With millions of users worldwide, Wikifarmer combines practical expertise with real-time market data, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking to understand and succeed in the agricultural economy.

Irena Vélez is a journalist at Wikifarmer.com, based in Seville, Spain. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism Honours from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and has a background in agricultural reporting. She writes research-based articles on sustainable farming, crop management and rural entrepreneurship, helping make agricultural knowledge accessible to farmers worldwide.

The post Mexico in Numbers: Agriculture appeared first on Mexico News Daily