The Venezuelan national executive has given its approval for a Bs5 billion (€812m) citrus operation in the northern-central state of Yaracuy.
Land and agriculture minister Juan Carlos Loyo confirmed the deal during a visit to the area to distribute credits to farmers and growers.
The minister said that the area of Nirgua in Yaracuy as well as Miranda, Montalban and Bejuma in the neighbouring state of Carabobo to the east form a territorial axis with great potential for the commercial production of fruit, particularly citrus.
The Venezuelan government has been 'rescuing' land from large estates and encouraging small producers. Some 376ha in the Yaracuy-Carabobo area have been 'rescued' in this way and citrus output has increased year on year in the first quarter by 291 tonnes.
