FIG PRODUCTION IN LATIN AMERICA

The study deals with the production of figs (Ficus carica) in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile, the main producers in Latin America. However, with the exception of Brazil, none of these countries has greatly developed the production of this fruit crop. In recent years, though, Argentina has shown a renewed interest in the crop, more than doubling its production in some states. The country is using improved agronomic technologies, including high density plantations, especially with three varieties: Turco, Guarinta and Kadota. For 1995–1996 yields in Argentina are reported to be 25 tons/ha of figs, with a grower price of up to US$ 2.5/kg (figs for fresh consumption). In Brazil, the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paulo are the main centers of production, and most of the production is marketed as fresh figs for the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Campinas. The two most common varieties in Brazil are Brown Turkey and Kadota. In Peru and Chile, there are very few and small fig orchards. Most of the production, which is sold on the internal markets, comes from a few scattered trees in mixed plantations throughout the country.