Asparagus Production and Trade in Selected Countries

 

United States

 

The United States continues to be the world’s third largest producer of fresh green asparagus behind Peru and Spain. In 1998, U.S. production of fresh asparagus is reported at 60,464 tons, up 11 percent from 1997, due mostly to an increase in yields. The production forecast for 1999 is not available. California accounts for approximately 75 percent of total U.S. fresh asparagus production, followed by Washington state and Michigan. During the same period, U.S. production of processed asparagus, canned and frozen, is estimated at 31,449 tons, down 11 percent from 1997. Lower production in Washington (the principle processing state) and Oregon were the major reason for the decline. The state of Michigan is the second largest U.S. processor of asparagus. In 1998, production of fresh and processed asparagus provided $168 million and $43 million in cash receipts to U.S. farmers, up 24 percent and down 10 percent, respectively, from 1997.

 

In 1998, U.S. exports of fresh asparagus totaled 15,601 tons valued at $46 million, up 2 percent in volume and down 10 percent in value from 1997. During the first 6 months of calendar year 1999, U.S. exports of fresh asparagus totaled 15,229 tons valued at $43 million, up 8 percent in volume and 5 percent in value from the same period a year ago. Shipments to Canada, Japan and Switzerland, the U.S.’s top three markets, accounted for 95 percent of the total export volume for this period. Market Access Program (MAP) activities being conducted by the U.S. asparagus industry in these countries are multifaceted, including in-store promotions and displays, trade seminars, public relations work, media events, and advertising in the aforementioned countries as well as the U.K., Switzerland, and Germany. U.S. fresh asparagus exports to Japan in May 1999 were up 422 percent from the same month in the previous year, due to a new window of opportunity created by the MAP funded in-country trade servicing to extend Japan’s import season for U.S. asparagus. In the past, Japanese retailers have been reluctant to import U.S. asparagus beyond the month of April because of the competition it creates for domestic producers. However, the Japanese trade was reportedly pleased with the results of the extended export season and USA Asparagus representatives are working on a similar arrangement for MY 2000.

 

Mexico

 

Mexican fresh asparagus production in marketing year (MY) 1999 (January-December) is estimated at 50,000 tons, up 6 percent from the revised level in 1998. This increase is due mostly to new area coming into production and expected higher yields. Also, increased international demand in 1998 enticed farmers to increase area planted in 1999. The bulk of Mexico’s asparagus production is for the export market. Mexico does not produce asparagus for the processing industry.

 

Generally, over 95 percent of Mexico’s asparagus is produced in Sonora, Baja California and Guanajuato, with the rest coming from Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Baja California Sur. Mexico’s biggest asparagus crop is harvested in Baja California and Sonora from late December through early April. A smaller crop is harvested from late June through September in the Bajio region of Guanajuato. Nearly all major asparagus production areas in Mexico are under drip-irrigation. Reportedly, the cost of establishing a new asparagus planting in Mexico is between US$5,000 to US$5,500 per hectare.

 

The average farmgate price received for asparagus from the Bajio region in MY 1998, averaged about US$2.33 per kilogram, and domestic prices averaged US$2.65 per kilogram. The average international price for asparagus during 1998 was approximately US$22.00 per 12-pound box (US$4.03 per kilogram) compared to US$20.73 per box (US$3.73 per kilogram) in MY 1997. In MY 1999, international prices began at US$20.00 per box (US$3.67 per kilogram).

 

Fresh asparagus consumption in Mexico is traditionally a residual market, with asparagus grown mainly for the export market. Approximately 90 percent of Mexico’s total asparagus exports are slated for the United States, with the rest going to Japan and the European Union. In MY 1999, fresh asparagus exports from Mexico are estimated at 38,000 tons, up 9 percent from 1998, due mostly to increased output and strong international demand. Mexico’s winter exports to the United States peak from the last week of December to January 31, when supplies are low. Traditionally, prices are higher during this period. Mexico’s exports of fresh asparagus to the United States continue until March when production begins in California’s northern Stockton/Delta region. Mexico also exports fresh asparagus to the United States during the summer months, from the last week of June to the end of September.

 

Under NAFTA, Mexico’s fresh asparagus (HS 0709.20.10 and 0709.20.90) imports from the United States are subject to the following duties: January 1 to June 31, 1999, duty is 4 percent with tariff phase out in 2003; July 1 to December 31, duty is 0 percent; September 15 to November 15, duty is free; January 1 to December 31 (white asparagus), duty is free.

 

Peru

 

Asparagus production in Peru in 1999 is estimated at 145,000 tons, up 5 percent from the revised level in 1998, due mostly to an increase in area and crop maturation. In Peru, the average yields for asparagus are about 6 tons per hectare, but can reach as high as 18 tons per hectare among some of the more efficient producers. Peru produces asparagus for two different markets: green asparagus for the United States, and white asparagus for the European market. Green asparagus accounts for about 35 percent of total production and is packed fresh in 5-kilogram boxes and exported to the United States; while white asparagus is processed in cans and/or jars and exported to Europe.

 

Land tenure in Peru is allowing more entrepreneurial activity, and it is attracting local and foreign investment. Fresh capital in the agricultural sector is looking to invest in an exportable product, and asparagus is a profitable crop with a stable foreign demand.

 

In MY 1999 (January-December), exports of processed asparagus are estimated at 65,000 tons, up 10 percent from the previous year. During the same period, exports of fresh asparagus are estimated at 22,000 tons, up 10 percent from 1998. Rising international demand was the primary factor attributing to increases in exports of fresh and processed asparagus. Peru’s most important processed asparagus export markets are Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Denmark. The United States continues to be the most important export market for fresh asparagus.

 

The government of Peru (GOP) does not have an official policy to encourage asparagus production. Most of the GOP’s effort is on the marketing side through "Prompex" (the export promotion committee). This is a new organization that has been active and successful in promoting agricultural exports.

 

Spain

 

Asparagus production in Spain in 1999 is estimated at 63,000 tons, up slightly from 1998. A slight drop in area for white asparagus is expected to be offset by additional plantings of 4 to 5 million new plants of more productive green-purple varieties in southern Spain. In many areas, the mild winter, with no freezing temperatures, reportedly depleted plants of critical nutrients just prior to the productive season, resulting in yields 30 percent below the previous year in some areas. Spain’s harvesting season for asparagus begins around mid-January for extra-early varieties in Andalucia, and ends in August in the northern-producing asparagus areas. In Spain, approximately 80 percent of the area planted to asparagus is under irrigation.

 

In 1999, fresh asparagus consumption in Spain is estimated at 34,000 tons (53 percent of total consumption), unchanged from the previous year. Declining demand for canned asparagus in Spain, due primarily to high prices, has led to an increase in consumption of both fresh and frozen asparagus.

 

Imports of fresh asparagus in Spain take place mainly during the off-season months between October and January. In 1998, Spain imported 2,400 tons of fresh asparagus, down 17 percent from the year earlier. Imports from the United States during the same period totaled 8 tons, up from zero in 1997. The major suppliers of fresh asparagus to Spain are Peru, Greece and Morocco.

 

Fresh asparagus exports from Spain in 1999 are estimated at 20,000 tons, up 4 percent from the previous year because of increased domestic supply. In 1998, fresh asparagus exports totaled 19,300 tons (including 2,295 tons of varieties), down 26 percent from 1997, due mainly to lower supply. The EU countries continue to be the major market for Spain’s fresh asparagus exports. Most of Spain’s asparagus exports consists of white asparagus used for salads in EU countries.

 

 

The FAS Attache Report search engine contains detailed reports on the asparagus for each of the countries described above, in addition to Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For further information on production, supply, distribution and trade contact Emanuel McNeil at (202) 720-2083. For information on U.S. marketing opportunities, contact Elizabeth Mello at (202) 720-9903.

Last modified: Thursday, April 06, 2000