By the same token, ‘hitchhiking’ insects are also on the rise, coming into the United States on containers from various countries and into the Port of Houston.
Pedro Camacho, CEO of McAllen-based Traveler Produce, LLC, which imports a range of product from Mexico and often distributes through Houston, points to the proliferation of protected agriculture as a result of both weather and pests.
“The pests we’re seeing are becoming more aggressive and more resistant,” Camacho explains, “so it’s more challenging to have optimal production in the open field.” For this reason, the rise in greenhouses and the like are a solid choice. “A protected crop is more profitable, more secure, and has a longer shelf life.”
A Growth Industry
As Houston continues to grow—and the consensus is it will—the city’s produce industry will be forced to innovate, be more creative, and grow alongside
the population. Whether it’s drive-through groceries, curbside pickup, urban farms, or ready-to-prepare meal kits, everyone from growers to farmer’s markets, wholesalers to retailers, and suppliers to receivers is rising to meet the challenge.
Images: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
