Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Hurricane Patricia could impact agriculture

Storm could be the strongest in history

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

A hurricane that’s expected to hit Mexico’s Pacific coast Friday evening could be the largest hurricane ever measured on the Western Hemisphere.

Weather.com currently reports that Hurricane Patricia is a Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 200mph. That number could increase by the time it hits Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta Friday evening.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Patricia is expected to produce 8 to 12 inches of rain, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

The hurricane is expected to be larger and more powerful than 2005’s Hurricane Katrina and 1992’s Hurricane Andrew.

Once the hurricane hits, every industry in Mexico will be affected, including agriculture as farmers and ranchers will have to try to protect their crops, animals and machinery from storm damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, American and Canadian consumers could see an increase in prices in grocery stores, too.

Mexico is a world leader in producing avocados, limes, lemons and onions. The agriculture industry as a whole is responsible for around $46 billion of the country’s GDP and employs approximately 13% of the country’s workforce.

The potential damage suffered by Mexican farms could put pressure on American and Canadian farmers to produce more food to keep up with demands.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada imports more than $1.5 billion worth of agri-food products from Mexico. The top five imports are tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, avocados and beer.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative estimates that total imports of Mexican agricultural products to the United States totaled about $17 billion in 2013. Fresh vegetables and fruit, wine and beer, and snack foods were the top imported products.


Trending Video

How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

Video: How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

Step into the world of large-scale rice farming with this eye-opening farming documentary! Discover how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, utilizing advanced agricultural technology to maximize efficiency and productivity. This video takes you on a journey from the rice fields to the processing stage, showcasing the innovative techniques that help meet global food demands.
Watch as American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, using state-of-the-art harvesters designed to work swiftly and precisely. This farming documentary explores the entire rice production process, from planting and irrigation to harvesting and milling. See how automation and AI-driven machinery assist farmers in reducing labor costs while improving yield and sustainability.
This farming documentary also highlights the environmental considerations and resource management techniques used to ensure sustainable rice production. By focusing on how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, the video demonstrates the balance between technological advancements and responsible farming practices.
Whether you’re an agriculture enthusiast, a fan of modern machinery, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this farming documentary provides an in-depth and engaging experience. See how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, transforming raw grains into a staple food for millions. Don’t miss this must-watch exploration of the incredible innovations shaping the future of rice farming in this insightful farming documentary!