According to the National Onion Growers Association, the nonconformity is presented by the importation of products coming from Holland and Peru, which have very poor conditions and are sold at prices that affect domestic production.
At the National Monitoring Institute of Food and Drug (INVIMA) the growers expressed their disagreement to the issuing of the certificate of health inspection for food nationalization and raw materials for the food industry.
For the president of the Colombian Onion Association, Héctor Centeno, "foreign onion imports have invaded the different national markets mainly affecting the health of consumers."
In a letter sent to the directives of INVIMA, growers seek an immediate solution so that the institution meets its role of "Ensuring Colombian public health."
The protesters assure that, "the aim of the protest is to stop imports of onions, because of low prices of the imported products in the market and to get the Government to comply with the agreements that were promised."
Meanwhile, the National Director of the Invima, Blanca Elvira Cajigas, confirmed that there will be a negotiation team to talk with the relevant entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Ica.
In addition the official warned that allegations made by growers will be transfered to the Ministry of Health.
Author: Carlos Andrés Andrade- Radio Santafé