Rumours of alleged price fixing lead to violent attacks on Piuran growers
The Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters (Apem) has issued a strongly worded statement denying accusations of price fixing amid growing unrest in the northern region of Piura.
The harvest got off to a good start, but a dispute has risen regarding the price paid to growers. The association indicated that this situation has generated a perception among some producers that exporting companies are setting prices in the international market, thus harming farmers.
Apem said the accusations are without foundation, and that they completely reject the practice, which is prohibited by law.
“This has led to entities outside the fruit production and supply chain blocking harvesting in the fields, causing losses for everyone: farmers, transporters, workers who cannot work and therefore do not receive their wages, and companies that cannot export and lose their clients, thus favouring competing countries that continue to supply the same markets without any problem. Such is the case of Brazil, which has resumed its mango shipments to the US,” the association’s statement said.
Apem said videos circulating on social media “showing trucks being blocked and people being beaten simply for doing their job harvesting and transporting mangoes, and packing plants being paralysed, should not be permitted, as they violate the constitution, the laws, and human rights”.
Apem said it rejects all violent actions against citizens, private property, and public and private infrastructure, claiming they damage Peru’s image as an exporting country.
The association has urged the authorities to intervene and is calling for social peace, restraint from all parties involved, and respect for free market prices.
“At Apem, we reaffirm our commitment to the development of Peruvian mangoes, international competitiveness, the development of small producers, and the sustainable growth of all actors in the production chain,” the statement concluded.
Peruvian exporter association Adex has also condemned violent attacks on growers in Piura’s San Lorenzo Valley by members of what it called “peasant patrols” due to disagreements over mango marketing processes.
“Violence cannot be normalised as a mechanism of pressure or retaliation. Therefore, we urge the state, through the relevant sectors, to intervene urgently to restore public order and guarantee the free exercise of work, commerce, and agricultural activities,” Adex said.
Adex said the country needs social peace, an effective state presence, and institutional channels that prevent confrontation, promote cooperation, and allow for the resolution of disagreements in a proper manner.
“Only in this way will it be possible to protect the mango production chain, which contributes so much to the development of Piura and other regions of Peru,” it said.
