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The production of berries in Baja California has been an important source of employment in recent years, and it is expected to continue growing in the short term.
This red fruit industry in the region currently generates around 45,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 12,000 of them being direct jobs.
The state of Baja California is the second largest producer of berries in Mexico, after Michoacán, and has over 15,000 hectares dedicated to the production of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In addition, the region is known for the high quality of its products, which has generated great demand both in the national and international markets.
The growth of the berry industry has been driven by various factors, including the favorable climate of the region, the availability of water for irrigation, transportation infrastructure, and the presence of specialized companies in fruit production and export.
The majority of producers are concentrated in the agricultural areas of San Quintín and Colonia Vicente Guerrero, which belong to the municipality of Ensenada.
The berry sector has also received significant impetus from technology and innovation. Producers have adopted new cultivation techniques, such as the use of greenhouses and drip irrigation systems, which have allowed for increased productivity and improved product quality.
In addition, the industry has invested in research and development to improve the varieties of berries grown in the region. This has allowed for the production of larger fruits with better flavor and greater resistance to diseases and pests.
The economic impact of the berry industry in Baja California is significant. According to official data, the value of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry production in the region exceeded 4,500 million pesos in 2020, which represents a 25% increase compared to the previous year.
The berry industry continues to grow
The production of red fruits in Mexico generated an economic impact of 15 billion pesos during the year 2022. This success in the production of berries has mainly occurred in the state of Baja California, which is the second-largest producer of strawberries in the country and one of the main suppliers of berries to the United States.
The growth of the berry industry in Baja California has generated a great demand for labor, especially in rural areas where employment opportunities are scarce. Workers in the berry industry perform tasks such as planting, caring for and harvesting the fruit, as well as packaging and transportation.
The cultivation of red fruits in Mexico has become an important economic engine for the country.
The government of Baja California has implemented various measures to improve working conditions in the berry industry. For example, by establishing training programs for workers, the government has strengthened inspection and surveillance mechanisms in the fields.
In addition, efforts have been made to implement sustainable practices in the production of berries, with the aim of reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life for workers. The berry industry in Baja California has been an important source of employment and economic development in the region. Although the industry has faced challenges in terms of the quality of employment, measures have been put in place to address these challenges and improve working conditions in the fields.
Innovation and technology have allowed for increased productivity and product quality, which has generated high demand both in the national and international markets. It is expected that the berry industry in Baja California will continue to grow in the near future and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Sources: Freshplaza, Gobierno de Baja California, La Jornada
