The citrus growers from Bermejo asked the authorities to stop, or at least substantially reduce the income of citrus fruits form Argentina.
The leaders of the citrus sector denounced that Argentine citrus imports affected them, especially at a time when, driven by the authorities, they have made efforts to multiply their production.
Maria Elena Choque, a producer from the community of Candado Grande, stated that there was an abundant production of citrus this year, but that they were forced to sell 100 units of orange and mandarins for 20 bolivianos because the market was saturated. She said that, with those prices, producers were unable to cover production costs and transporting the fruit to Tarija, and that they were concerned as much citrus was being smuggled into the territory from Argentina. Producers demand the authorities exert greater control and totally restrict the entry of citrus from the neighboring country because of the abundant production in Bermejo, Choque said.
The producers made their demands on Tuesday, the day that the poster of the ninth citrus and derivates fair, which will be held this Saturday in the community of Candado Grande, was presented. The main objective of the fair is for producers to demonstrate the potential that the production of these fruits have in the region and to facilitate their marketing directly to consumers at promotional prices.
Source: Ecos de Tarija