Mexico has witnessed significant growth in its organic production over the last decade. According to recent research carried out by the Agricultural University of Mexico, acreage has increased by almost 50 per cent, and further growth is forecast. The country is now second to Italy, whose market has grown by 53.7 per cent. This has been reflected in a marked increase in exports which, say the USDA, were worth an estimated US$139.4m in 2000, a four-fold increase over that of 1996. Of this, coffee accounted for over two-thirds, followed by corn and sesame seeds, though gains have also been achieved with mangoes, oranges, beans, apples, avocados and bananas.