Update on the Mexican Pecan Industry – Insights from Real Torio’s Arsenio González

SAPPA recently had the opportunity to meet online with Mr. Arsenio González, director of Real Torio and president of the Mexican Pecan Council, to discuss the current state of the Mexican pecan industry. He shared a realistic perspective on the difficulties the industry is navigating at the moment.

Ongoing drought conditions—now persisting for several years—remain the primary concern. Most Mexican pecan regions rely heavily on underground water for irrigation, and despite occasional rain, groundwater levels remain critically low. While investment in more efficient irrigation systems can help conserve water, the high cost of installation and maintenance places additional strain on farmers already struggling with tight cash flow.

This financial pressure is further intensified by prolonged payment schedules and declining profitability. According to Mr. González, pecan farmland values have dropped to around 60% of their value from just three years ago. “Only the most productive and efficient orchards are managing to stay afloat.”

Looking ahead, expectations for the current crop are modest. Pollination is complete, but yield estimates are significantly lower than last season. Production could fall by as much as 20,000 to 30,000 tons compared to last year, making this a notably low year for Mexican pecans.

The industry is also experiencing a shift in land use. Over the past two years, approximately 2,500 hectares of pecans in Hermosillo, Sonora- located on the west coast- have been converted to citrus. No new pecan orchards have been established in the last three years.

Despite these challenges, there is a strong focus on growth through the domestic market. Mr. González highlighted efforts to promote pecan consumption locally, particularly by educating consumers on how to use and store pecans effectively.

At SAPPA, we recognize the resilience and determination of our counterparts in Mexico and remain hopeful that conditions will improve in the seasons to come. On behalf of our members, we extend our support and well wishes to the Mexican pecan industry—may the rains return, and may the efforts toward sustainability and local market development yield favorable outcomes.