The Andean country expands its international presence with the inaugural shipment of organic Hass avocados to Russia, while consolidating its global leadership in organic product exports, second only to Mexico.

For the first time, organic Ecuadorian Hass avocados have reached the Russian market, according to the Agency for Regulation and Control of Plant and Animal Health (Agrocalidad). The first shipments were made by the companies Uyamafarms and LatBio SA, marking a milestone for the agricultural export sector. “This achievement is the result of collaborative work between producers, technicians, and partners who bring the best of our land to the world,” Agrocalidad emphasized.

This new international step coincides with a record year for Ecuadorian organic production. With over $621 million in exports in 2024, the country remains the leader in organic product exports to the European Union and the second largest exporter worldwide, after Mexico, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAGP) and Agrocalidad.

The European Commission's Analytical Brief No. 7 (May 2025) ranks Ecuador, for the fifth consecutive year, as the leading exporter of organic products to the EU. Meanwhile, FiBL's The World of Organic Agriculture 2025 report indicates that the country exported 665,483 metric tons of organic products, 96% of which were bananas.

Verónica Santillán, director of Organics at Agrocalidad, emphasized that this international recognition is due to the implementation of a national system for organic control, monitoring, and certification that guarantees traceability, safety, and integrity. “Compliance with international standards allows Ecuadorian organic products to be recognized and accepted in global markets,” she stated.

In 2024, organic exports accounted for 2.5% of the country's non-oil exports and generated employment for more than 54,000 producers. Currently, Ecuador has 78,156 certified hectares and 8,641 registered organic producers, most of whom are family farmers.

Among the main exported products are bananas, cacao, coffee, broccoli, mangoes, shrimp, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and chocolate, with destinations including the United States (64.7%), the European Union (32%), Japan (0.6%), and 28 other trading partners. The provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Napo account for 70% of the country's organic farmland, solidifying Ecuador's position as a global leader in sustainable, high-quality production.

Source: eluniverso.com