Organic banana growers in northern Peru have significantly increased their exports over the last few years, thanks in part to a state aid program.

Growers in the northern Piura region's Valle del Chira were only shipping four containers per week to Asia and Europe in 2013, but by 2017 this figure had increased to 17.

The 202 growers have benefitted from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI) Compensations for Competitivity Program, AGROIDEAS, through which they have built five loading centers, allowing them to process greater volumes.

Before this, direct banana exports were difficult for the farmers as supply levels were low.

AGROIDEAS also offered technical assistance, boosting productivity and quality control processes, helping the growers to establish direct export links to the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany and South Korea.

The Netherlands has become the main destination of Peruvian organic banana exports, with 72% of production, followed by Italy with 22%.

Sales last year were registered at US$ 8.7 million.

www.freshfruitportal.com