John F. Preissing, representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Peru, said the Andean country has the opportunity to strengthen its agricultural sector with social impact of high-value organic products in foreign markets.
“The world’s population will grow to 9 billion by 2050, and people are changing their diet; they demand more fresh fruits and organic grains, and Peru is perfectly able to supply them. In my opinion, this is a golden moment, as there may be niches of organic products,” he said.
Preissing also underlined the need to support farmers in the highlands and rainforest of Peru by investing in training, roads and financing, which will increase their production to meet international market demands.
Minister Juan Manuel Benites noted the boost Peruvian gastronomy gives to agriculture when promoting native products on the most demanding domestic and international markets.
“Peruvians were not used to consuming native potatoes, the colorful ones; nowadays, we buy and eat them, and we even use them to make potato chips.”
A small association of 60 producers in Tayacaja, Huancavelica sells native potatoes on the French market.
(END) DOP/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/24/2016