Costa Rican Melon and Watermelon Producers Cautious About Planned Production

Costa Rican melon and watermelon producers are cautious in planning their 2024 programs. The past two harvests revealed a loss of competitiveness against Honduras and Brazil in the January to April market window, prompting producers to adopt a more conservative approach. The strategy involves selectively planting melons and watermelons for clients willing to commit to fixed prices and assume the risk by making advance payments in July/August. Planting for these fixed contract volumes begins in Oct-23, with harvest and delivery scheduled for Jan-24. No volumes are planted for spot sales and will only be offered if unexpected good climatic conditions result in yields exceeding those planned for fixed contracts.