Facility

Sinaloa Coastal Vegetable Production Zone (Culiacán Valley)

The Culiacán Valley and broader coastal Sinaloa agricultural zone (Culiacán, Guasave, Angostura municipalities) is the largest source of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other vegetables imported into the US from Mexico. Sinaloa produces approximately 30-40% of Mexican vegetable exports to the US, with peak production October–May supplying winter and spring US markets. The state's temperate climate, extensive irrigation from the El Fuerte, Sinaloa, and Culiacán river systems, and established logistics infrastructure (direct highway connection to Nogales AZ via MEX-15) make it the dominant US produce source state in Mexico. Sinaloa is also home to the Sinaloa Cartel — Mexico's largest drug trafficking organization — which has historically taxed agricultural operations, extorted logistics companies, and maintained influence over the state's major industry. The coexistence of Mexico's largest produce export zone and Mexico's largest cartel in the same state is structurally significant. Source: USDA FAS GAIN Report Mexico Fresh Vegetables 2024.