For 35 years, Agricola Belher has been dedicated to growing and exporting high-quality agricultural products harvested from the fields of Sinaloa. A horticultural company dedicated to the production and export of tomato, Persian limes, corn, and sorghum from the municipality of Culiacan, Sinaloa.

 Let’s delve into their story in this press coverage:

Global Reach: Juan Carlos Beltran, the second-generation director, oversees the company’s exports as Marketing and Business Development Manager. Their quality products planted in Sinaloa and Jalisco find their way to markets in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

How was Agricola Belher born?

Founding and Legacy: In 1989, my father Rosario Beltran—affectionately known as “Tolin”—founded Agricola Belher. Coming from a long line of farmers, Tolin decided to strike out on his own, drawing upon the knowledge gained while working for his father.

.

.

In Agricola Belher’s Early Days we initially focused on vine tomatoes and open-ground tomatoes. At that time, we had yields of between one and four kilos per square meter. Over the years, they continuously innovated. By 2004, we had adopted shade netting across their entire surface—an essential infrastructure improvement.

What is produced in the company’s fields?

Product Range: Currently, Agricola Belher cultivates 170 hectares of netting. Their production includes Red Beefsteak tomatoes and Roma tomatoes, each with distinct physical and resistance characteristics. Additionally, they experiment with various tomato varieties, including Snacking tomatoes, Grape tomatoes, and Cherry tomatoes. Beyond tomatoes, they also grow Persian lemons, corn (both grain and for fodder), and sorghum.

Agricola Belher’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to shape the industry.

.

.

Approximately six years ago, we began commercializing Persian limes, and it has been an incredibly interesting project. As pioneers in this cultivation within the state, we’ve gained valuable insights along the way.

What are your production yields?

Productivity and Technological Advancements: In Sinaloa, productive agriculture now averages yields of approximately 17 kilograms per square meter. This significant increase in productivity isn’t unique to us—it’s a statewide trend. Sinaloa stands out for its advanced technology in tomato cultivation. While other states have also made strides, their approaches differ due to varying climatic and geographical conditions.

Which countries does your product reach?

Our Sinaloa tomatoes primarily find their way to the United States and Canada. A small percentage is also exported to countries like Japan and South Korea. North America remains our main market. According to data from the CIDH, Sinaloa exported $340 million worth of tomatoes last season, directly supporting around 40,000 jobs within the state.

What percentage of jobs does Belher provide for the state?

Belher’s Contribution: Currently, we employ approximately 200 permanent staff members. During peak seasons, we expand our workforce to over 2,000, with most workers being migrants from states like Hidalgo, Guerrero, and Chiapas.

One aspect that fills us with pride at Agricola Belher, especially for my parents who have invested significant time, is our commitment to creating housing infrastructure that ensures the well-being of our workers. As my father often emphasizes, when workers know their children are cared for, well-fed, and receiving basic education—from kindergarten to elementary school—they can approach their work with peace of mind. This sense of security translates into better crop care and fosters worker retention by Nurturing Workers and Ensuring Quality.

Does Agricola Belher suffer of Labor Shortage?

Not at Agricola Belher: We’ve always prioritized our people, and this approach has resulted in low worker turnover. We firmly believe that taking care of our workforce is not only morally right but also good for business. Happy, enthusiastic workers contribute to our success, knowing their families are well looked after.

Stringent Audits and Commitment: We undergo audits by recognized organizations such as Veggies from Mexico, SMETA, and Global GAP. These assessments keep us vigilant, ensuring that all aspects of our operations function optimally.

Can you please talk about the 2024 Tomato Market Trends?

The 2024 tomato market has been quite unique. Factors such as supply and demand dynamics, water-related uncertainties in production, adverse weather conditions across different regions, heavy rains in Florida, and increased U.S. demand have all contributed to high tomato prices. However, operational challenges persist. The strong peso exchange rate directly impacts sales in the fruit and vegetable sector within the state. Despite these complexities, overall market conditions have been favorable, even though operational aspects remain challenging due to inflation and rising fuel costs, and I think we have managed to get through it well.

Does Agricola Belher have a Growth Strategy?

At Agricola Belher, we prioritize productivity and cost discipline. But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We continually explore new technologies to enhance our operations. Data management is a key focus—capturing every square centimeter of our operation, tracking varieties, optimizing irrigation systems, and implementing mechanization. Our robust database, analyzed through artificial intelligence and emerging tools, ensures precise and efficient operations.

Our growth trajectory is focused on internal improvements. We’re exploring innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and produce high-quality tomatoes with excellent yields while minimizing production costs. These technologies include drones, agrochemicals, and fertilizers. While we’re not implementing them immediately, they are rapidly emerging to bolster agriculture.

Source: www.debate.com.mx