Argentina: "Fruit and vegetable consumption has dropped significantly and is reminiscent of 2001."

He stated that the decline in fruit and vegetable consumption has been significant, forcing producers to experience a crisis reminiscent of 2001. "The situation is so critical that, despite the fact that citrus production was cut in half due to frost in the region, prices in the fields are higher than in the markets because demand is lacking. It’s increased, but it’s not selling," he stated at the beginning of the report. "Producers are selling below their production costs, as is the case with potatoes. A bag sells for $6,000 when the cost of producing them is $8,700," he indicated.

Lack of Purchasing Power as the Main Cause of the Deteriorating Sales According to Carrasco, this crisis is not seasonal, but rather due to people’s lack of purchasing power. "People don’t have enough money. Consumption has dropped significantly and reminds us of 2001," he stated. Along the same lines, he emphasized that the situation for the fruit and vegetable sector is alarming. Carrasco cited the price of tomatoes as an example, which today does not exceed $20,000 a box, when last year they reached $80,000. The leader lamented that this situation, which could be favorable for consumers with money, directly affects the profitability of producers.

Uncertain Future for the Sector and Demands from the National Government Given the severity of the crisis, the Argentine Fruit and Vegetable Union (UFR) is organizing with other markets to request the national government declare a state of emergency for the sector. This would involve the implementation of subsidies and loans at reasonable rates. "It is essential that the authorities listen to our demands so they have the necessary information to take measures to help producers," he stated. Although there is hope that the situation will improve with the change of season, the leader admitted that the future is uncertain and that many producers, affected by low prices for products such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, are choosing to sell part of their land to be able to continue planting. "The idiosyncrasy of Mendoza producers, to continue working despite adversity, is the only thing that keeps the sector alive," he stated.