At AGOLEAL, we want to share our perspective on the current state of avocado cultivation on the Peruvian coast. In recent years, new cultivation areas have been practically limited to replanting and, in some cases, replacing existing orchards due to their age. There are no significant plans for new plantings, a situation that reflects the results obtained in the last two or three years, which have not been as profitable as expected, especially on the northern coast. For this analysis, we consider the northern coast to be the region extending northward from La Libertad.

To confirm this trend, we contacted nurseries that produce plants for new plantings. We found that they have not received any new orders in the last two years. This stagnation underscores a worrying reality, but it also opens a window of opportunity for the future.

In this context, it is interesting to observe the progress being made in the development of clonal patterns, which we believe will be fundamental in the next planting stage, whether for new transplants or for field replacements due to the age of the current plantations.

We believe this is the right time to consolidate our existing coastal orchards and ensure that the fruit we produce is of the highest quality. This will allow us to meet current market demand and anticipate increased demand, particularly from Asia, which would lead to better returns.

Peru is the world's second-largest exporter of avocados, and it is essential that we maintain and defend this leading position. However, we must do so not only by increasing the volume of exports, but above all, by ensuring the quality of the fruit.

Future increases in supply will have to come from other regions of the country, outside the traditional supply window. In particular, the highlands and the new Majes-Siguas II irrigation project offer great potential. These two regions will allow us to extend the country's supply season, which will be key to maintaining our competitiveness in the global market. This topic will be discussed in detail in a forthcoming article.

Alfredo Lira Chirif, Peru alfredo@agroleal.pro