Mexican producers are growing an increasing amount of product in greenhouses each year.
In 2017, there were 9,083 acres of greenhouse production in Mexico. In 2018, there were 57,454 acres of Mexican produce grown under protected agriculture, such as shade houses.
Greenhouses can increase yields and allow growers to control variables such as heating, cooling, humidity and irrigation as well as provide a barrier against pests.
At Chamberlain Distributing Inc. in Nogales, AZ, all of its cucumbers, vine-ripe tomatoes and bell peppers are grown under protected agriculture, while 80 percent of its roma tomatoes grown under protection. Overall, it is estimate 60 percent of the firm’s volume is grown under protected agriculture. This is up from about 10 percent a decade ago.
Greenhouses and shade houses are credited with allowing shippers to provide customers with consistent, high quality perishable items in a reliable manner. It also allows seasons to start earlier and for harvests to be extended.
At Ciruli Bros. LLC in Rio Rico, AZ, its Mexican grown cucumbers, bell peppers and other vegetable are all grown under protection. It is cited as being more cost effective and growing in open fields, allowing more control, better harvests and better crops.
In the U.S. the trend toward growing more profitable cannabis has contributed to the growth of greenhouses and shade houses in Mexico, where Mexican operations are replacing or complementing greenhouse vegetables in the U.S. and Canada.