We had the opportunity to talk to Pedro Monjardín, a young enthusiast currently leading the citrus manufacturing area at Agrícola BelHer. Interviewed for Veggies From Mexico, he shares a little bit about how, by using farming practices and crop management, they have managed to consolidate their all-year round supply of limes, achieving excellent sizes. This has allowed them to position their production in the foreign market, even being able to export to Japan.

Mr. Monjardín is an Agricultural Engineer specialized in Horticulture. He is experienced in management a variety of crops such as bell pepper, tomato and currently fruit crops such as lime.

1. Would you mind sharing a bit about your professional experience?                    

Three years ago, I graduated from Agronomy at UAS. I have been working for Agrícola Belher for 2 years, where I am currently a citrus production leader. I am knowledgeable in bell pepper, roma tomato, round tomato and citrus growing; in the areas of entomology, production, handling and staff management of up to 250 workers. Also, annual, monthly, weekly planning and programming in both physical and digital platform forms.

I am currently in the process of learning about pitahaya management.

2. What is your working field what are your duties within the company?

I am in the innovation and development area as a citrus production leader. My duty is to keep crops in optimum conditions by performing different strategies in pruning, sanitation, replanting, overall maintenance and the harvesting process. I am in charge of 120 workers and, during the growing process, I manage around 65 workers.

3. How have you achieved to have all-year round lime production?

Working constantly within the premises of the company and discipline. Plant handling, fertilization and constant irrigation have led us to have plants both vegetative and profitable for a long time.

4. In your opinion, what do you consider to be the most important plant handling practices to improve crop productivity?

Proper management of pruning and cleaning of trees.

5. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?

Creating a working environment, for a disciplined plant management and care for the environment.

6. Which ones do you believe are the key areas of farming operation?

The production, food safety, quality and packaging areas.

7. Tell us about the strategies you perform to improve food safety processes within the company?

Consistent training for staff. Daily 5-minute talks before starting work, where we make references to good agricultural practices.

8. How has the company achieved to market products in various markets, including Japan?

By positioning ourselves in the market for being a certified company with excellent products.

9. What are the benefits of having different food safety and social responsibility certifications for the company?

It has opened us the doors to various domestic and foreign markets.

10. Do you think that being a part of Veggies From Mexico/Eleven Rivers Growers has brought any benefits to the company and if so, which one is it?

I believe that belonging to this community makes us be present both domestically and internationally and, at the same time, gain recognition.

11. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to the Veggies From Mexico team for the space provided to us.