Living in Peru : your everyday companion

At least 245 farmers from the Tiruque area in Arequipa and Omate in Moquegua were able to export over one thousand tons of Fuerte avocado to several European countries with the support from Sierra Exportadora, a government program that helps people from Peru's highlands take advantage of and export national products.

Peru’s Fuerte avocado, which is greatly demanded in Spain, was exported during the harvest season between February and June this year.

The chief of Sierra Exportadora in Arequipa, Aníbal Vásquez, said that Tiruque, located in the province of Caravelí, produced 650 tons of Fuerte avocado, while Omate in the province of Sanchez Cerro produced 450 tons.

"Spain is one of the European countries interested in consuming avocado, as well as other countries that have expressed their interest to continue acquiring the product for next year," he said.

Since last year, Sierra Exportadora has provided technical assistance to farmers of these rural areas. The production will rise from four to nine thousand kilos of avocado per hectare.

In addition, the program contacts farmers with buyers so that they are the ones who make, in a direct way, the export negotiations of their product, he added.

Sierra Exportadora has worked since last year in Arequipa in areas that are over 2, 800 meters above sea level with good results for the satisfaction of farmers receiving technical assistance to improve production.

News source: ANDINA