Jalisco, Mexico - The Secretary of Rural Development, Hector Padilla Gutierrez, said the berry sector triggered investment and employment in the fields of Jalisco. The state leads the blueberry market with 13,354 tons and the raspberry market with 85,960 tons.

"The cultivation of berries has represented an important change, it has helped generate wealth and mass employment." Thanks to crop conversion, he said, the berry sector surpassed tequila exports.

Last year, national exports of Mexican berries amounted to 1.940 billion dollars. The fruit was destined to the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, China, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Hong Kong, Russia, and Saudi Arabia among other places.

The president of Aneberries, Diego Martinez said that they wanted small producers to join the association, which is currently integrated by 28 companies.

"We account for nearly 85 percent of the total production and exports of berries, but we still have to work so that small producers join our association and participate in our initiatives," he explained.

"We don't only focus on safety issues, which is how the association started. We also focus on other issues, such as financing, technical training, and better use of pesticides. There's an infinity of issues that we address in the association."

He also said that Jalisco's planted area and production continued to grow at double digits.

"Jalisco is currently the main producer of blueberry; it is growing more than other states and we are proud to say that it meets all the conditions for this crop. Many foreign investors are looking to Jalisco to continue growing. There are also communication channels to Asia, as well as opportunities and advantages for the State to continue positioning itself in this category," Martinez said.

"Currently the berries are sent to 35 countries and we are working to promote exports to the Asian, Russian and Middle Eastern markets," he added.