Peru is fostering the development of production chains for organic highland avocados, native potatoes, quinoa, and South American camelids,
in the Italian city of Rome.
Manero said this boost is focused on investment plans being developed in the aforementioned production chains, which aim to strengthen cooperation in food security, innovation, and other key issues for Peru.
During his speech at the
Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum and within the framework of
World Food Day, the minister
presented the four investment plans for the production chains of organic high-altitude avocados, native potatoes, quinoa, and South American camelids.
"As Peru's Agriculture Minister, it is an honor to present these business notes to showcase Peru and report on the main strengths that differentiate us from other countries and consolidate our position as an agricultural power and supplier of healthy foods and nutraceuticals," Manero stated.
"These investment plans represent potential businesses in areas of highest poverty (rates) in our country but also many opportunities," he added.
Products
In the case of high-altitude avocados, he underscored that, as they are grown at altitude, they limit the development of pests and make their organic certification easier.
This competitive advantage benefits the smallest producers, with our country being the world's second-largest exporter of avocados. The main markets are the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Regarding quinoa, the Midagri head stated that Peru remains the world's leading exporter of this Andean grain.
He indicated that it represents an ideal protein for food all over the world, adding that a law is being worked on so that the baking industry incorporates between 1% and 2% of quinoa flour mixed with wheat flour.
Regarding native potatoes, the government official highlighted that Peru has more than 3,000 varieties of the tuber in the world.
"We already have an important business in native potatoes. This year, US$15 million has been invested in a native potato processing plant; the investors are here and we appreciate this support. It is very important as it is the beginning of conquering more markets," he underlined.
Regarding the camelid production chain, the Cabinet member said alpaca fiber is one of the finest worldwide and is currently exported for more than US$100 million a year; it is an important space to develop in international markets by directly linking alpaca farmers with the fashion market.
As part of his speech, Minister Manero highlighted that 8 emblematic irrigation projects are being promoted in 6 Peruvian regions that mean investments to ensure water for farmers.
These include the Chonta Dam (Cajamarca region), Chavimochic (La Libertad region), Chinecas (Ancash region), the Cunas River basin irrigation system (Junin region), Iruro and Ancascocha (Ayacucho region), plus Majes Siguas and Yanapujio (Arequipa region).
"These 8 projects represent US$3.6 billion and will allow for the closing of gaps with 312,940 hectares under irrigation. Besides, more water infrastructure projects are coming next year," he said in his speech.