Veracruz Lemons Head to US and Russia in Major Export Push

Producers from the Bioproductores del Llano Alto cooperative in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico, have successfully exported 40.4 tons of Persian lemons. Shipments are heading to McAllen, Texas, in the United States, and Moscow, Russia, marking a significant achievement for the region's agricultural sector. The export initiative is supported by Mexico's Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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In the Papantla territory, around 10,000 planters work, organized into ten work routes within more than 42 municipalities, and they went from marketing locally to establishing direct links with international buyers during the last year and a half.

The lemons are sourced from orchards planted between 2021 and 2022, featuring trees aged three to five years. These fruits are noted for their high quality and compliance with international export standards. The Persian lemons from Veracruz are particularly valued by international buyers for their long shelf life, essential for long-distance sea transport, their vibrant green color, uniform size, and the specific rind texture demanded by global markets.

The commercial negotiations that led to these exports began during the producers' participation in the Fruit Logistica international fair in Berlin, Germany. This engagement allowed them to connect directly with importers from various continents. The shipment to the United States will travel by road to McAllen, a journey of approximately 11 hours from Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz. The consignment bound for Moscow will depart from the same port, continuing its journey by sea over an estimated 22 to 23 days.

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The Persian lemon from Veracruz stands out among international buyers for its extraordinary shelf life, indispensable for withstanding long-distance maritime transport, its intense green color, uniform size, and the rough skin that international markets demand.

This export success is partly attributed to the direct commercialization strategy promoted by Columba Jazmín López Gutiérrez, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Furthermore, the producers are beneficiaries of the Sembrando Vida program, an initiative that fosters agricultural production, supports the revitalization of rural areas, enhances the profitability of farming activities, and contributes to the economic development of local communities. The cooperative, comprising 183 members, acknowledged the Mexican government's support in strengthening their productive organization and opening new commercial avenues for Mexican agriculture.

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Exports are the fruit of the direct commercialization strategy that the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Columba Jazmín López Gutiérrez, promoted during her tenure in the Subdirectorate of Productive Inclusion and Rural Development of the Secretariat of Welfare.