Mexico's 2024 tomato production is forecast at 3.30 million metric tons (MMT), a two percent increase over 2023, driven by export demand and investment in protected agriculture systems. Production in 2023 is estimated at 3.22 MMT, down eight percent compared to the previous year due to water constraints from drought conditions in some production areas. Drought and adverse weather impacts remain the main challenges for Mexico's tomato production. While some producers in Mexico have invested in protected production, other regions continue to produce in open fields, with lower yields and more exposure to climatic factors.
Adverse climate conditions have contributed to a shift towards protected production during the last decade, mainly production in greenhouses, shade houses, and high tunnels instead of open field cultivation. This shift decreased production in the short-term, while resulting in increased production over time as yields and produce quality rose. In the areas where open field cultivation predominates, adverse weather conditions such as drought, excessive rain, or abrupt temperature changes usually cause significant production losses. The shift towards protected tomato production in Mexico began in the early 2000s but accelerated during the beginning of the 2010s. The trend has been steadily increasing since then, as producers look to increase their yields.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov