Agricultural Value Chains in the Mexicali Valley of Mexico: Main ...

FIGURE 3: COTTON VALUE CHAIN
Green Onion Producers and Buyers
Agricultural Value Chains in the Mexicali Valley of Mexico
Green onion production has been fairly stable in the Mexicali Valley over the past five years, with total
production averaging just over 41,000 tons and never straying outside the 35,000 – 50,000 range. Initial
reports indicate that the 2010 crop will be no exception, which supports statements from numerous
interviewees that their operations were unaffected by the earthquake because the crop is not grown in
earthquake affected areas. According to 2008 data, 38% of total hectares devoted to vegetable farming in
the Mexicali Valley are used to grow green onions, making it by far the most important vegetable in terms of
land usage. Dependable yield levels, numerous options in terms of sales (most of the producers we talked to
had agreements with multiple buyers as opposed to exclusive contracts) and seemingly low barriers to entry
(based on the fact that a great many smaller players are participating in this market) make this an attractive
option despite the fact that value generation per hectare is greater with some of the more niche vegetables.
(See Table 8).
Page 13