Governmental authorities in Mexico are trying to convince local farmers to stop planting corn and wheat and to get into the booming business of Christmas trees. The move also aims to avoid erosion and raise farmer's incomes.

The Christmas season is a boom time for many Mexican farmers. Hundreds eagerly wait to start planting this holiday cash crop.

The town of Amecameca, 65 kilometers from the capital Mexico City, boasts of having one of the most successful Christmas tree plantations in the region. It has three fields with 400 hectares of forest and thousands of trees to choose from.

The forest opens during the last days of November, allowing families to personally venture into the woods, choose and then cut down their tree. Prices range around 30 US dollars.

Customer Carlos Lopez said, "There's a lot of people here having a good time. They arrive, park their cars, and then cut down their tree. Afterwards they have a picnic that unites people. It's nice because this is a time to give love, happiness and to get together."

Statistics show this Christmas tree forest creates more than 300 direct jobs for the region, generating more than 30 million pesos each Christmas season.

Christmas tree plantation fields first appeared in Mexico back in the 1970s, and has become an important asset over past decades.