Veracruz Citrus Industry Faces Crisis Amid Climate Change

Climate change has led to severe droughts and the spread of pests like Huanglongbing (HLB), resulting in a crisis for the orange production sector in Veracruz. Gustavo Almaguer Vargas, Researcher, Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo, reported that the crisis has halved the orange harvest, affecting around 20,000ha.

Veracruz is the leading orange producer in Mexico, supplying 51.6% of the national output, according to the Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (PROFECO). The municipality of Alamo, once recognized as the highest producer in Mexico, was also noted as the second highest in the world for orange production.

Historically, Veracruz oranges have been valued for their quality and sweetness. However, the widespread emergence of HLB has dramatically altered this landscape. HLB is recognized globally as the most severe disease affecting citrus crops, transmitted through infected buds and insects. Direct losses manifest in reduced yields and lower fruit quality. On the other hand, indirect losses include negative environmental effects associated with the removal or burning of infected trees and the increased use of chemical pesticides.

Despite these challenges, Almaguer expressed optimism about Veracruz's potential to regain its position in orange production. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among farmers, academia, and government entities at various levels. Moreover, Almaguer noted that a significant error made by stakeholders is their reliance on outdated approaches to problem-solving without recognizing the changing dynamics of the situation. He encouraged producers to seek guidance from universities to effectively address these challenges.