Recent rains have hit the Huejotzingo region hard, where the eight municipalities that supply the Iztaccíhuatl Flower Market have seen their marigold fields shrink from 150 to 100 hectares. This represents a 33 percent drop in production, with losses potentially reaching 40 percent as damage assessments continue.
As a result, marigold prices are expected to double in the coming weeks during the Day of the Dead season, rising from 100 to as much as 150 or even 200 pesos per roll due to limited supply. Aldo Ramírez Ángel, president of the Iztaccíhuatl Flower Market, explained that growers from San Salvador El Verde, San Lorenzo Chiautzingo, Huejotzingo, San Martín Texmelucan, Nealtican, San Juan Tianguismanalco, Santa Isabel Cholula, and San Felipe Teotlalcingo have all been affected. These producers are part of a regional floriculture network.
In a press conference at the Secretariat of Economic Development and Labor, Aldo said, "Our product follows the market's supply and demand. When demand stays the same and supply drops, prices naturally rise."
The Huejotzingo flower market will operate primarily from October 27 to November 2 to meet local demand and supply buyers from Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and the State of Mexico. Marigolds remain essential for Mexico's Day of the Dead tradition.
Producer and seller Gilberto Brindis Domínguez noted that the expected economic impact from this year's marigold sales is 51.5 million pesos. This includes 37.5 million from the sale of 745 thousand open-field flower rolls, 4 million from 100 thousand greenhouse flower bundles, and 10 million from 400 thousand potted plants.
Treasurer Miguel Amaro Flores highlighted that the Iztaccíhuatl Flower Market has 1,300 members, with 30 percent dedicated to marigold production through different methods, from open-field cultivation to greenhouse and potted growing. This diversity reflects the adaptability of local and regional producers.
Still, many growers are concerned about their vulnerability to extreme weather and see protected agriculture as a way to reduce risks. However, high costs and the strong tradition of open-field farming remain significant barriers to change.
Source: lajornadadeoriente.com.mx
