Tijuana, November 1. Although the marigold is native to Mexico, our country is no longer among the main producers of this flower, and China has positioned itself as the world's leading producer .
This situation has sparked intense debate in Mexico, both regarding the flower's cultural value and the economic impact it has on the families who cultivate it, explained Bertha Martínez Cisneros, coordinator of the Bachelor's Degree in International Logistics at CETYS University Mexicali Campus.
Although countries such as China, the United States, Japan and India have improved marigold seeds to increase the number and size of their flowers, to give them more intense colours and shorter growing seasons, China is dedicated to growing them for industrial use , which is why the Mexican market represents an opportunity for continued growth and diversification.
“Every year we see cities painted orange with marigolds to celebrate the Day of the Dead, which increases demand. However, the way they are traditionally marketed in this country—through markets, plazas, and flower distributors—opens the door for products from China to enter supermarkets and retail chains directly,” he emphasized.
Martínez Cisneros emphasized the need to regulate and monitor marigold production in China , as well as strengthen measures to protect and promote local production in Mexico.
In addition, he said, policies must be implemented that promote sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices to ensure the long-term preservation of this flower.
