Colombia has been consolidating its potential as a producer and exporter of fruit and vegetables throughout the years and the global recognition of this potential is encouraging investors to take a closer look at this country. The sector's pursuit for recognition, organic farming regulation, and the advice from private guilds are required so that the Colombian economy can benefit from fruit and vegetable exports. Unlike its neighbors, Colombia isn't centralized. The country's peace process is having satisfactory results, and the country has the resources to become an exporting powerhouse in growth.
"If we take into account that Colombia has between 41,000 and 51,000 hectares devoted exclusively for the certified organic production, we have to say that the country has a very big potential. Unfortunately, so far Colombia is the only country in the region where the standard has not been updated, making it impossible for the country to sign homologation agreements with the European Union and the Andean Community. That's why the entire production chain, including producers, exporters, suppliers of logistics, and certifiers created a union. So far, we have 300 members between small, medium, and large business, over 60% of which are dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector," said Richard Probst, vice president of the Federation of organic products (Fedeorgánicos).
"An great example of our work with affiliated companies is the project to cultivate Amazonian Cayenne pepper. We have replaced 40 hectares of illicit crops with pepper crops and our goal is to reach 100 hectares. The advantage of this product is that it is a native pepper that is very strong and rich in capsaicin, and that it can be industrialized thanks to its adaptability to climate variations. The project is being supported by the United States through different organizations, and the samples sent to this country and the Caribbean have been very well accepted," Probst continued.
"We will be holding an international forum on July 27 and 28 to promote our work and publicize our trade policies." We'll have international speakers and we'll be discussing issues that are relevant to investors and the entire production chain. We will also have samples of the products that we are promoting such as: Baby bananas, physalis, pomegranates, and Amazonian fruits. The small and medium-sized fruit and vegetable business will be particularly relevant during the fair," the representative of Fedeorganicos said.
For more information:
RICHARD PROBST BRUCE
Vicepresidente
FEDERACIÓN ORGÁNICOS DE COLOMBIA
T: 3152920861 / 4673851- Ext 105