Potato producers in the Perote region of Mexico are facing a challenging season marked by severe frost events and sharp price declines triggered by overproduction. According to ARGENPAPA, the combination of climatic stress and market saturation is putting strong pressure on local farmers.
Frost Damage and Climatic Impact
Recent cold waves resulted in frost that damaged thousands of hectares of potato fields.
Producers report:
- Burned foliage in early-stage crops
- Irreversible damage in some late-cycle fields
- Additional costs linked to replanting or loss recovery
Meteorological instability in October–November has become a recurring issue in the Perote Valley, one of Mexico’s key high-altitude potato-growing zones.
Overproduction and Price Collapse
Despite frost damage, national potato supply remains high, causing a significant drop in prices.
Market oversupply is attributed to:
- Above-average plantings earlier in the season
- Strong yields in unaffected regions
- Lack of coordinated supply management
Prices at farm gate have fallen so sharply that many producers struggle to cover even basic production costs.
Economic Consequences for Farmers
Growers in Perote now face a dual challenge:
- Climate-related crop losses
- Unprofitable market conditions
This combination puts small and medium-sized producers at high financial risk, with some considering reducing acreage for the upcoming cycle.
What Happens Next
Experts expect:
- Further price volatility in the coming weeks
- Potential reduction in spring planting
- Increased discussions about regional production planning
- Interest in frost-tolerant varieties and crop insurance mechanisms
Conclusion
The Perote potato sector is under pressure from both nature and the market. Managing overproduction, improving frost protection strategies, and strengthening price stabilization mechanisms will be essential for supporting the region’s growers going forward.
Source: ARGENPAPA — https://argenpapa.com.ar/noticia/16714-
