In W39 in the pear landscape, Argentine pear exports to Mexico have increased in the 2023/24 season. The National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) reported that in the first eight months of 2023, exports to Mexico reached over 13.5 thousand tons, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period last year and a 90% increase compared to the average of the previous five seasons. This growth has elevated Mexico to the fourth most important destination for Argentine pears from the Río Negro and Neuquén Valley, surpassing Italy, a key market for the region's pear exports for years. The increase in exports is due to Mexico being traditionally a net importer of pears, with the United States (US) being its main supplier. However, the US faced volume and quality issues with its pear harvest. In addition, Argentine pears destined for Mexico command prices that are approximately 35% higher on average than those for other export destinations. These favorable market conditions drove increased exports to Mexico, making it an increasingly significant market for Argentine pear growers.
The State Department of Agriculture in Santa Catarina, Brazil, allocated USD 193.54 thousand (BRL 1 million) to install an Anti-Hail System in the Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe region. This system aims to protect the region's agricultural production, primarily temperate fruits like pears, from hail damage. The system utilizes meteorological radar, monitoring stations, and ground generators that release silver iodide particles into the atmosphere to prevent the formation of damaging hail clouds.
Portugal is negotiating to open a pear export market to Thailand, and recent orchard audits by Thailand's Department of Agriculture are part of this process. The audit was part of ongoing negotiations to establish a phytosanitary protocol between Portugal's General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) and its Thai counterpart. During the audit, the Thai team visited orchards and fruit centers in Portugal's western region, accompanied by DGAV and the Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo.
The European Union (EU) estimates a 12.9% drop in pear production compared to the previous season, totaling 1.74 million tons. This decrease is due to significant reductions in Italy, France, and the Netherlands. However, Conference pear production is forecasted to increase by 8% year-on-year (YoY), William BC production is projected to decline by 36.8%, and Abate Fetel will experience a drop of 69.3%. These trends are similar to other northern hemisphere countries, such as the stable apple harvest in China and a 3.6% decrease in the US. The US expects a 3.7% decrease, while China anticipates a 10% increase compared to the previous campaign.