“That which is red is red, but that which is gold! We’ll see!”
By: Georgius Gotsis Fontes, Dir. Veggies From México
The Red Gold of Sinaloa is he qualification that gives Dr. Eduardo Frias Sarmiento to its book on history of this crop in the state. Dr. Frías makes a very objective historical reviewwhich far from seeking convenience or flattery (as happens with other authors), seeks to capture with historical and concrete documents the reality of what the development of this important crop in the state. It is worth mentioning that his analysis focuses on the years from 1920 to 1956.
In his book we can find six sections that include: the natural and historical conditions for the development of the industry; communication routes and transportation; the first agricultural entrepreneurs; financing; the production of tomato (volumes, exports, policies); and production values.
One of the many interesting points in the book to mention is the visionary men who gave life to the industry. Originally, as Dr. Frías tells us, there were some Americans based in Sinaloa those who First they planted tomatoes. In 1907 for self-consumption, but seeing the potential of the market in North America they started their export.
Thus, over time, more producers local companies that, financed by North American companies such as MATCO, managed to produce and export (Who do you think made the biggest profits, the producers or the sellers? Have we innovated since then?) Frías also mentions another factor that, from 1932 to 1956, was fundamental for the development of the industry: financing from banks such as Banco de Sinaloa. CAADES was also an important source of financing. The arrival of the Sinaloa bank came to provide better credit than those that already existed in the state, allowing horticulturists to invest more in their crops.
One of the parts of the book that most surprised and that few knew about, was the important role that the development of irrigation played in the state for the tomato industry to explode. Frías tells us how the Sinaloan land is fertile, but not as fertile as in other states of the republic that could well have taken the role of potential producers. These potential states, having ideal land, irrigated from time to time.
Sinaloa, struggling (if not!) in the face of adversity, had to improve its irrigation systems. The investment for this came from the landowners of the time, the state and federal governments. Thus, we see again how adversity always helps us improve and reach the top.
Dr. Frías also mentions the important role that the development of communication routes had, specifically the train track. Prior to its appearance, the product was sent via Altata. However, due to the length of the journey, the tomato did not arrive in the best conditions. The train, with its refrigerated vans (with ice) allowed more product to be sent in better conditions.
In the first line of this column he commented that the “gold” part remains to be seen. This is given that the last few seasons have been difficult for this crop. However, it would be selfish not to recognize that much of what Sinaloa, its producers, input sellers and society in general, currently have is thanks to the red gold, the tomato, which on many occasions has given great satisfaction.
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