The peace process in Colombia is being established and strengthened. Part of this process involves getting the farmers, who were displaced by violence, back to the production of crops that can offer them sufficient income for an average standard of living.
Part of this initiative is the creation of associations that will provide support to producers in their reintegration process, as well as training to cultivate the crops. Risaralda's Association of Producers of Hass Avocado (AsoHass), which is based in Pereira, is one of the institutions working with people displaced by violence that want to produce Hass avocados.
"Colombia, as a country, is just beginning to export Hass avocados. This business started 10 years ago, and in the last 3 years the acreage has increased. Our advantage is that our climate is very beneficial for the fruit's flavor and calibers, so, even though we don't have much experience, all the producers are focused on providing fruit. AsoHass currently has 63 producers that have a total of 100 productive hectares."
"We expect to allocate 70 tons of avocado to the domestic market in the first half of the year. In general, we've had a good season. However, the weather has been very volatile in the last few months, which has slightly affected the fruit's presentation. We are talking about small amounts, but we would like to ship out everything."
The project includes helping the farmers to become independent and obtaining the Global GAP international certification. "Our goal is to take care of the environment and of our employees, that's why we have certificates of good agricultural practices. As an association, we give work to an average of 400 workers. Additionally, the farmers who work with us have the support they need to have successful avocado crops," the representative said.
For more information:
Jose Ilber Montealegre
AsoHass
+57 3103006494