The Peruvian Agriculture Ministry's Sierra y Selva Exportadora (Exporting Andes and Jungle) program Head Alfonso Velasquez on Friday underlined raspberries' attractiveness and profitability for northern regions.
Remarks were made during a workshop on raspberries as an agricultural export product organized by Sierra y Selva Exportadora's branch in northern La Libertad region.
Sierra y Selva Exportadora is designed to promote economic activities —originated in Peru's Andean and jungle areas— that allow growers to attach themselves to national and international markets.
Sponsored by the National Agricultural Sanitation Service (Senasa), the training session sought to promote the fruit's export potential based on the major international demand they enjoy.
In this sense, Peruvian soils —like the ones found in La Libertad— are ideal for raspberry cultivation thanks to their agro climatic conditions.
Thus, Velasquez called on the region's entrepreneurs and producers to take on a business-oriented approach to raspberries, a profitable and sustainable business opportunity with an unsatisfied demand.
"We've already seen this with blueberries. Now it is time for a bid for raspberries which, along with the rest of berries, are the most antioxidant-rich fruits […]," Velasquez concluded.
(END) NDP/LZD/MAO/MVB