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Ecuadorian producers of potatoes and onions ask for control to curb smuggling
Posted On 14 Sep 2016
In addition to deal with production costs, which are higher than those for Colombian and Peruvian farmers, domestic producers of potatoes and red onions claim that they are facing an unfair competition due to smuggling entering through the borders.
Fernando Pozo, Patate producer and member of the Council of Citizen Participation for the agricultural sector in Tungurahua, said that due to smuggling and costs, farmers have losses.
Traders of the Ambato wholesale market agree with producers on the need to run operations to prevent that smuggling through the northern and southern borders affects production and influence prices.
Mario Mayorga, president of the Central Association of Merchants of the Wholesale Market, believes that the lack of control is causing the bankruptcy of small and medium producers, especially of potatoes and red onions.
According to the figures provided, about 60,000 quintals of red onions would be entering the country monthly.
Given the situation, government authorities have disposed more operations for a month permanently. Council members will act as overseers of this action.
