The forecast for Mexican avocado production in Market Year 2010-11 is mixed, with the government forecasting a record yield and producers expecting output to remain steady, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual report.

The Mexican government expects production to reach 1.24 million metric tons (MT) in 2010-11, a 6.4% increase over MY 2009-10 and a record, according to the USDA. But producers think the total could remain around the 1.18 million MT posted in MY 2009-10 because Michoacán, the state that produces 92% of Mexico’s avocados, is expected to have bad weather in 2011. Trees are also expected to enter the low bearing cycle this year as part of the alternate bearing effect, the report said.

Of the 1.24 million MT, 410,000 MT are expected to be exported, the report said. The United States, the main destination, is expected to receive 270,000 MT. Avocados from Michoacán are sent to all 50 states, and in 2010-11 are expected to make up for low production in Chile.

From January through August 2010, the U.S. received 179,583 MT; Japan, 28,179 MT; and Canada, 17,526 MT. In all, Mexico exported 246,198 MT through August. Mexico is looking to enter the Chinese market and strengthen its niche in Japan and the European Union.

Growers in Michoacán and surrounding areas continue to improve phytosanitary practices and push for more land to be approved for shipping to the U.S. The efforts include an investment of $2 million to ensure that the fruit is free of chemical residue and pests. For MY 2010-11, 132,036 hectares of land are expected to be used for avocado production, 2% more than MY 2009-10, the report said.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com