Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda reaffirmed her commitment to the agricultural sector after the state became Mexico’s leader in date production, generating more than half of the product’s national economic value. She highlighted the exceptional quality of the fruit cultivated with dedication by local producers.
The governor noted that, thanks to the optimal conditions of the Mexicali Valley and the commitment of those driving this crop, Baja California accounts for 50.8 percent of the national economic value generated by date sales — more than 603 million pesos (about 35.7 million USD).
Dates are delicious, nutritious, and versatile — a natural alternative to sugar, rich in energy, fiber, and antioxidants. Governor Ávila described them as a point of pride for Baja California, with export-level quality that, due to their size, sweetness, and presentation, strengthens the state’s standing in both national and international markets.
As part of the state’s support for the sector’s growth, she said that between 2023 and 2024, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Baja California (SADERBC) trained more than 1,500 producers through courses, diploma programs, and specialized workshops on integrated management, production costs, and post-harvest processes.
Infrastructure and equipment improvements have also been promoted, including drip irrigation systems, specialized machinery, and refrigerated storage facilities to ensure fruit quality. In addition, the state is strengthening business development through rural microindustry programs and facilitating access to credit via the Baja California Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FOGABAC).
The governor reported that the state currently has 2,115 hectares (about 5,225 acres) of date palms planted, of which 1,142 hectares (about 2,820 acres) are in production, with a preliminary yield of 8.6 metric tons per hectare (about 3.8 U.S. tons per acre) — surpassing the national average — while the remaining 973 hectares (about 2,405 acres) are still in development.
SADERBC head Mónica Vargas Núñez noted that the date, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia, finds in the warm, dry climate of the Mexicali Valley the perfect growing conditions.
In Baja California, date palm cultivation has seen sustained growth in acreage, production, and economic value, consolidating its role as an engine of regional development and providing direct benefits to the families involved in its production.
The premium quality of Mexicali Valley dates allows producers to secure better prices in the market. From harvest to packaging, each stage is carefully managed to meet international standards, ensuring the fruit is ready for both export and domestic consumption.
