Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh lime (notably limón persa) production in Honduras is supported by official plant-health and seedling certification/distribution efforts in the Atlantic littoral, including municipalities in Colón such as Sonaguera, Sabá, and Trujillo. Official reporting also documents Persian-lime production for domestic wholesale marketing from farms in Olancho (Juticalpa). Market continuity is materially exposed to Huanglongbing (HLB) citrus greening pressure, with documented control/emergency actions in Sonaguera, Colón. For any export program, an export phytosanitary certificate issued through Honduras’ official system is a mandatory trade facilitator document for plant-origin products.
Market RoleDomestic producer and domestic consumption market (citrus), with export capability conditional on official phytosanitary certification
Domestic RoleFresh limes supply domestic wholesale and urban market channels; official support programs target improved citrus planting material and phytosanitary compliance.
Specification
Primary VarietyLimón persa (Persian/Tahiti lime)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → sorting/selection → packaging/palletization → (export pathway) SENASA phytosanitary inspection/certification via official process → dispatch
Risks
Phytosanitary HighHuanglongbing (HLB, citrus greening) is documented as a highly destructive citrus disease in the OIRSA region, with emergency control/management actions reported in Sonaguera, Colón (Honduras). HLB pressure can sharply reduce lime yields and tree longevity and can also trigger heightened buyer scrutiny and phytosanitary risk controls in export programs.Require supplier HLB monitoring and vector-control programs; prioritize certified/healthy planting material supported by official programs; diversify sourcing across producing zones to reduce single-area outbreak exposure.
Regulatory Compliance MediumExport shipments of fresh limes are exposed to delay or non-compliance outcomes if phytosanitary certification and destination-specific requirements are not met, since the Export Phytosanitary Certificate is an official mandatory document for plant-origin exports and is tied to the importing country’s phytosanitary rules.Align pre-shipment inspection, any required treatments, and certificate statements with the importing country’s current phytosanitary requirements; run a document pre-check before container sealing.
Climate MediumCitrus production zones in northern Honduras can face climate-related stress that compounds pest/disease impacts and contributes to production volatility in the broader citrus sector.Build contingency volumes and multi-department sourcing; incorporate orchard drainage, windbreaks, and climate-resilient agronomy where feasible.
Sustainability- Pest-pressure-driven chemical use and integrated pest management (IPM) needs in citrus due to HLB threat
Labor & Social- Smallholder livelihood vulnerability to citrus disease shocks (HLB) and resulting income instability in producing zones
FAQ
Which authority issues the export phytosanitary certificate for fresh limes from Honduras?In Honduras, the Export Phytosanitary Certificate for plant-origin products is issued by SAG through SENASA, and it is described as an official mandatory document for export customs procedures.
What is the most critical plant-health risk for sourcing fresh limes from Honduras?A key deal-breaker risk is Huanglongbing (HLB, citrus greening), which OIRSA describes as highly destructive in the region and which has prompted documented control/emergency actions in Sonaguera, Colón (Honduras).
Which Honduras regions are explicitly referenced in official content for Persian lime production support?Official Honduran sources reference limón persa support and production activity in Colón (including Sonaguera, Sabá, and Trujillo) and also document Persian-lime production in Olancho (Juticalpa).