The Deputy Minister of Agricultural Affairs, Juan Pablo Pineda, met with the Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services of the US, Jonathan Cordone, with whom he discussed the processes of admissibility of hass avocado.
According to Cordone, Colombia is increasingly closer to achieving the signing of the protocol between the health authorities of each country, which would allow the country to export this fruit to the United States, probably this year.
The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), which has conducted and led the work plan with the health authority of that country (APHIS), has accompanied this process since 2011.
Pineda said, "this is a great opportunity to improve the income of small producers dedicated to this crop, especially now, when the fields are so important in view of the peace scenario."
He also highlighted the advantages of products like pepper, mango, passion fruits, and beef. "We are talking about further integration, as its entry into the United States would overwhelmingly favor rural development in the context of post-conflict," he said.
"We invite the Government of the United States to continue their efforts to support Colombian agriculture, especially in Colombia's transition to the post-conflict. Peace begins in the fields and the support from large donors, such as the United States, will allow us to improve the lives of many producers," Pineda said.
Avocado production
More than 15 departments of Colombia produce avocados, 6 of them account for 80% of production, especially Tolima, Antioquia, and the Caribbean Coast.
The Hass variety is the highest selling variety worldwide and it presents the most dynamic growth. By the end of 2015, the country had planted 13,530 hectares, i.e. a 23% increase.
This sector generates 95,200 direct and indirect jobs, and 2,548,478 temporary and permanent jobs.
Source: eluniversal.com.co