ORCHID (Orquidaceae) PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

Abstract

Orchids are recognized for their beauty and represent a diversification opportunity for farmers. In the state of Veracruz, México, their cultivation is considered relatively recent and in the central region there is a lack of knowledge about the status of orchid production. In this study the current status of orchid production systems was determined, for their characterization in the central region of Veracruz through a structured survey. Twenty-four production units were identified in 11 municipalities. The area that they destine to orchids represents 20 % of the surface that is destined to other ornamentals (93,540 m²). The genera most frequently cultivated are Cymbidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium. The main limiting factors identified are lack of infrastructure and difficulties for commercialization, and the
absence of a scheme for legal association of producers that allows having a presence in the market, increasing the sales volume and obtaining better prices. Most of these units are at least 10 years old, so this is a recent activity that requires being addressed as a strategic activity in the state. For their development, the current situation of production units requires association strategies, standardization of the quality of the plants and commercialization processes.