The increase in the demand for products of organic origin has motivated more and more farmers in the country to lean and migrate towards these more environmentally friendly practices.
According to Agrocalidad, the provinces with the largest number of registered producers are Napo, El Oro, Chimborazo, Esmeraldas and Morona Santiago.
In fact, according to data from the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad), in Ecuador this is reflected in the increase in territory dedicated to this type of chemical-free production. On a national scale, at the moment, around 57,000 hectares of various crops are certified, belonging to 9,051 producers who supply the local market and also send products to other countries in the world.
The provinces with the largest number of registered farmers are Napo, El Oro, Chimborazo, Esmeraldas and Morona Santiago. Of these, 98% belong to family and peasant agriculture. In addition, a point to consider is that they are associated, which allows joining efforts around certification and entry into different markets.
Agrocalidad explained that this entire contingent of producers is included in 1,518 products registered as organic. Of this number, some 257 correspond to banana, cocoa, coffee, fruit and vegetable crops. The rest, that is, 1,261 products, are from the processed segment such as chocolates, snacks, sugar, panela, among others.
With these data and in view of the growing demand from international markets for this type of product, Agrocalidad, in 2021, developed several initiatives to encourage farmers and ranchers to transition their productions and be certified as organic. On a national scale, 762 people were trained, virtual events were held such as several conferences and the IV Congress with more than 20,000 people reached.
In the same way, the Agency points out, actions are being carried out to establish Santa Elena as the first totally organic province in the country. On the other hand, the regulations for agroecological production are in the process of being built with the participation of all those involved.
In addition, Agrocalidad continues to carry out supervision and control of organic certification, to avoid fraud that generates distrust in the destination markets of national organic production. (I)
