The northern Peruvian region of Piura is reported to be developing into a solid supply base for organic bananas after the country’s Ministry of Foreign Trade (Mincetur) and authorities in the EU teamed up to kick-start production of the fruit.
According to a local news report, some 1,300 small producers in Piura are now supplying important volumes of organic bananas to the demanding European market, just three years after diversifying from the local trade.
By establishing a clear system of traceability and complying with standards such as GlobalGAP, the report claims the region has managed to boost its exports by 50 per cent on average each year.
Shipments in 2007 alone were valued at an impressive US$27m, with volumes headed for markets including France and Italy.
Currently, there are 3,500ha already certified under the organic production scheme in Piura.
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