Greenhouse and shade structures are transforming horticultural production throughout the northern and central parts of Mexico. The recently released USDA Foreign Agricultural Service GAIN Report indicates the use of greenhouse and shade structures within the country has expanded from 1,853 acres in 1999 to 37,066 acres in 2010. Mexican producers consider the differences between greenhouses and shade houses to be minimal and refer to both as protected agriculture. Over 51% of protected agriculture producers prefer shade houses over greenhouses.
The amount of area planted in protected agriculture has increased nearly 40% over the past 3 years. The report indicates this growth is expected to continue for the next several years with the biggest gains made in tomato, bell pepper and cucumber production. The U.S. is the primary market for Mexico’s protected agriculture products, but growers continue to export larger quantities to other markets.
Pictured: Over 51% of protected agriculture producers in Mexico prefer shade houses over greenhouses.
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