At AGOLEAL, we would like to share our thoughts on the current state of avocado cultivation on the Peruvian coast. New areas for this crop in the coastal region have been limited primarily to replanting and, in some cases, the renewal of aging orchards. The lack of new planting projects reflects the results obtained in the last two or three years, which have not been entirely profitable, especially on the northern coast, from La Libertad northward.

To confirm this trend, we consulted with nurseries that supply plants for new plantings and found that no significant orders have been placed in the last two years. This is a clear indication of the caution growers are adopting in the face of current challenges.

However, there is a positive aspect to this situation: advances in the development of clonal rootstocks. We believe these will be fundamental for the future of the crop once transplanting resumes or field changes are made due to the age of the plantations. These clonal rootstocks could be the key to revitalizing production and ensuring the consistency and quality that the market demands.

In this context, we believe it is crucial to consolidate existing coastal orchards, focusing on ensuring the delivery of high-quality fruit to the market. It is essential to anticipate a recovery in demand, especially in Asia, which would allow for better returns and justify further investment in cultivation.

Peru has established itself as the second largest exporter of avocados worldwide, and it is a leadership that we must continue to defend not only in terms of volume, but above all, in the quality of the fruit we export.

Regarding the growth in supply, this will have to come from other regions of our country that are not within the traditional production window, such as the highlands and the new Majes-Siguas 2 irrigation project. These regions offer the possibility of extending Peru's supply window, allowing the country to maintain its competitiveness in the global market. This topic will undoubtedly be the subject of a more in-depth analysis in a future article.

Alfredo Lira