Unity in the Fields: BCS Government and Producers Formalize the Santo Domingo Valley Horticultural Council

The agricultural heart of Baja California Sur is strengthening its organizational structure this March 2026. Following a series of agreements between the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development (SEPADA) and the region's main producers, the Santo Domingo Valley Horticultural Council has been formally created. This new body aims to unify criteria in production, marketing, and plant health for vegetables in the Comondú municipality—a region known nationwide for exporting products like asparagus, chickpeas, and citrus. The council's creation will allow producers to negotiate better market conditions and jointly access irrigation modernization programs and international certifications.

From a rural development and global competitiveness perspective, the council will function as an agricultural cluster seeking to professionalize the entire value chain. In 2026, climate change challenges and international market demands (such as USMCA) require a transition toward more sustainable and safer practices. The council will not only oversee crop quality but also work on dignifying labor rights for seasonal workers and optimizing water use in the Santo Domingo aquifer, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise future resources.

In conclusion, small and medium-sized producers in the Valley are recommended to contact SEPADA to learn about the integration mechanisms for this council. Unity is the only way to face international price volatility. For the remainder of 2026, the council is expected to present its first strategic export plan, seeking to open new direct routes to Asian and European markets.