According to expert sources, Yucatan wants to certify the local production of Persian limes to promote the planting of this citrus in the state, as well as its export. That would mean Persian limes from Yucatan would be labeled as specifically Yucatan Persian limes, the way Florida oranges are marketed.
Lime crops are cultivated all over Mexico, with Michoacan being the biggest producer. The announcement was made by state Jose Bolio Garcia, the director of agriculture for the state Secretariat of Rural Development. The official, who made a presentation about Certification Challenges and Commitments of Persian Lime Production, said that one of the main actions they needed to comply with was the certification program of orchards for export, according to the Product System’s Master Plan.
“Citriculture is very important for the entity, as it is Mexico’s fourth biggest producer of citrus fruits and the Persian lime is an important part of this offering,” he said.
He added that the state government, producers, packers and marketers would work together to strengthen their activities to promote the planting of citrus in the state, and seek international recognition to reach new markets.
In this framework, he said, they would hold a forum on Feb. 6 and 7 about the certification in the Superior Technological Institute of the South, in Oxkutzcab.
Limes are one of the country’s most important citrus fruits, not only because of their use in Mexico’s cuisine, but also because of its production volume. Yucatanexpatlife.com reports that Saudi Arabia is a potential buyer, as it imports around 121,000 tons of this fruit per year.
