Criminal groups operating in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán, Mexico, earn around $181.36 million annually by extorting lemon producers and packers in the Apatzingán Valley, reports El Universal, based on estimates from state authorities and citrus growers.
To make this calculation, sources consulted by the Mexican newspaper indicate that more than 900,000 tons of the fruit are produced annually, while criminal organizations charge two pesos per kilo of cut lemon, plus two pesos for each kilogram packaged for sale.
The amount does not include the fees these groups charge to butchers, poultry sellers, grocers, gas station owners, tortilla vendors, papaya vendors, hose vendors, and bakers, as well as to construction and transportation companies in the region, the outlet says.
The note adds that there are currently more than 4,000 active lemon producers who sell between 1,000 and 1,500 tons of the citrus fruit per year at the so-called Tianguis Limonero (Lemon Market), located in the Michoacán municipality of Apatzingán.
The producers and businessmen consulted, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, said that the fees and floor charges that groups such as Los Viagras, Blancos de Troya, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Knights Templar, Cartel de la Virgen and the Tepalcatepec Cartel demand from them represent between 60 and 70% of their annual profits .
These groups, according to the Apatzingán Citrus Growers Association (ACVA), even try to control the days when lemons are picked, as well as the selling prices.
“The extortion of lemon growers has been evolving, to the point that a few years ago it caused businesses and packing plants to close, and producers were unable to move their produce to regions of the state of Michoacán due to the threat of criminals, then known as the Knights Templar,” the article highlights.
Added to this is the fact that, for several years now, the price of lemons has plummeted , costing around 4 pesos per kilogram wholesale. According to lemon growers, this figure is well below the cost of production.
In this context, the ACVA demanded that local and federal authorities regulate the market and encourage fruit picking only three days a week to protect workers.
“We raise our voices to demand clear and decisive action from authorities at all three levels of government,” the association said.