Peru Kicks Off 2024 Avocado Export Season, Targets Market Expansion

News in brief:- Peru launches 2024 avocado export season with private-public partnerships planned to boost local farmers income.- The Ayacucho region sees a surge in cultivation, with more than 80% of family farmers participating in the agro-export chain, contributing to Peru's expanding global market presence. Peru's avocado export season is officially underway, signaling a boon for local farmers across the country. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA), in collaboration with avocado growers, the launch of the 2024 campaign marks a pivotal moment for the nation's agricultural sector. In a recent gathering, held in partnership with the Provincial Municipality of La Mar, regional and local authorities joined forces with industry stakeholders, including the Association of Producers and Exporters of Hass Avocado from Peru (PROHASS), to kickstart the season. Notably, farmers received crucial training on production site certification and effective avocado pest management strategies.

Promising projections and market expansion

The Ayacucho region has witnessed a remarkable surge in avocado cultivation in recent years, with harvesting commencing between February and March—before the coastal regions. This timing advantage significantly benefits producers in Ayacucho and neighboring areas, contributing to the region's economic growth. Peru continues to expand its global footprint in avocado exports, with shipments reaching 599,769 tons in the 2023 season, a news report says, a notable increase from previous years. Hass avocado, the predominant variety, accounts for 94% of total exports. The United States, European Union, Chile, China, Thailand, and South Korea remain key markets for Peruvian avocados, driving the country's export growth Acknowledging the critical role of collaboration between the private sector and SENASA, Miguel Quevedo Valle, the national head of SENASA, emphasised the importance of enhancing phytosanitary conditions and integrating small-scale producers into the agro-export chain. This concerted effort aims to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for rural communities across Peru.