Established Colombian exporter of exotic fruit, herbs and vegetables, Frutexpo, is looking to develop the country’s organic sector, following growing demand for its produce in the UK and Europe.
Organic production in Colombia is still fairly limited, with production set by existing export orders but growers are keen to increase their yields, said Frutexpo organic product manager, Farrah Adam.
Colombia’s organic production is spread across the country.
While herbs grow close to the capital, Bogota. other exotics are grown several hours away from the export hub and developing the necessary logistics to cope with the kind of growth Frutexpo is hoping for will take time, according to Farrah.
“We intend to grow gradually along with our clients and small growers, working as a team and monitoring the whole supply chain process,” she said.
“Some of the farmers, specially in fruits, started growing organic many years ago, and it is only now they are seeing the economic benefits. Organic growers of these products are usually small and need a lot of support from the public and private sector.”
However, the exporter is keen to get the ball rolling very quickly. Most of Frutexport’s growers are already certified by International Environment Standards Firms and the company is already experiencing strong interest in its organic exotics and herbs from retail category managers in the UK and Europe.
Farrah said: “We are able to start a complete organic program if market and conditions are
ensured and are stable in time for our growers. We strongly believe in our country’s potential to export 100-per cent certified organic produce and are working hard to encourage new small growers to take part in this project and grow together with reliable partners overseas.”
With local demand for organic produce still very low, the vast majority of production is exported, but Farrah believes consumer initiatives now in place could reverse the ratio before too long.
Frutexport is hoping the growth in organics will contribute to the country’s overall economic progress.
Farrah said: “The idea is that our farmers find in organic agriculture a sustainable and profitable way of life away from violence.”
