In addition to the entourage arriving Medellín to attend the public Mass of Pope Francisco in the Olaya Herrera, the dispatch of 1,500 boxes of bananas from Urabá, by the Augura Banana Association, has begun.
The Pope and his entourage will be able to taste this tropical fruit, that occupies the third line of exports in Colombia, after coffee and flowers, during their stay in the capital of Antioquia, thanks to the initiative of the guild, of offering the entourage this product. Because it is one of the fruits preferred by the Holy Father, it was included within his food choices during the visit.
"The Holy Father, Pope Francisco has among his preferences this nutritious fruit that brings energy, and is chosen among sportsmen for its richness in potassium and it helps to treat various diseases. We hope the Holy Father can taste this delicious and nutritious fruit, which is preferred in the European market," said the president of Augura, Juan Camilo Restrepo Gómez.
Colombian bananas are a desirable product especially in the European Union, where 78% of production is exported, with Italy being the second country to buy the Colombian fruit. The United States is the second destination with 15%.
The press rooms of Medellín, Cartagena and Bogotá, will also be able to taste this fruit as part of the attentions that will be available for Supreme Pontiff's visit to Colombia.
In addition, a delegation of a thousand devotees from the region of Urabá, sponsored by Augura, and headed by Monsignor Hugo Alberto Torres Marín, Bishop of Apartadó, will be present on behalf of the region in the celebration of the visit of His Holiness that will take place in the city of Medellín.
The country currently has 47,272 hectares planted in bananas that are concentrated especially in Urabá, Magdalena and La Guajira. Augura generates 35,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs, where 78% of the producers are affiliated to this union.
Source: caracol.com.co