Mexican raisin production set to increase

Mexican raisin production for MY 2006/07 (August/July) is forecast to increase by four percent to 8,500 MT. This increase is driven by higher yields, rather than greater planted area. The adoption of efficient irrigation systems, use of improved seed varieties, and the resumption of normal weather conditions will stimulate this increase in yield. Mexican raisin exports for MY 2006/07 are forecast at 3,900 MT. This slight increase over MY 2005/06 is due to expectations that international prices will be marginally higher than domestic prices.