Asunción, IP Agency.- The historic export of carrots, 27,000 kilos of carrots and 60,000 kilos of tomatoes to Argentina, last week, marked the beginning of a trend that Paraguayan fruit and vegetable producers seek to consolidate, reaching neighboring markets based on quality and competitive prices.
The quality of national production is the key, and the first loads of carrots and tomatoes that arrived in Argentina support that, in the sense that more products were ordered again, said this Thursday the president of the National Service for Plant Quality and Health and of Seeds, Pastor Soria.
«First carrots were sent, then tomatoes, this afternoon from the Paraguayan Chaco a load of about 28,800 kilos of onions was sent and the shipment of peppers is also on the doorstep. The logic is now changing because the small producer is having quality,” he added.
He highlighted that after the first shipments, more orders were immediately received, so fruit and vegetable exports to Argentina are now becoming permanent.
«In the case of tomatoes, I think we are reaching the sixth load now, carrots too. A shipment of locotes is also being prepared. This is a sign that the small producer is conquering markets based on the quality of the product,” he noted.
He pointed out that the role of public institutions is important in endorsing and certifying that quality, as well as in opening more markets. “There is a request from President Santiago Peña to look at everything to comply with phytosanitary requirements and open more markets,” he said.
In this sense, he indicated that the phytosanitary requirements for the export of cabbage to Argentina have recently been harmonized, where prices are convenient for the Paraguayan producer.
Soria pointed out that most fruit and vegetable products are already harmonized with the Mercosur countries, to which they can be exported as long as prices are favorable.
In that sense, he said that work will continue, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, to improve productivity levels in all areas, so that by obtaining larger harvests, more competitive costs can be achieved and exports can continue to expand.
Beyond Mercosur, both Paraguayan authorities and producers are already looking at another market, that of Chile, one of the most competitive in the region.
«With Chile we believe that next year we will have the tomato market open, just as we recently opened the banana market, we are working on that process. Chile is much more demanding in phytosanitary matters, they have a high status and sell to markets like Europe,” he indicated.
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Interview with Pastor Soria, President of the National Service for Plant Quality and Health and Seeds, Paraguay
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Pastor Soria. Last week marked a historic moment for Paraguayan agriculture with your successful export of 27,000 kilos of carrots and 60,000 kilos of tomatoes to Argentina. Can you tell us what this means for Paraguayan producers?
Pastor Soria: Thank you for having me. This milestone is significant for our producers as it demonstrates that our agricultural products can compete in quality and price in international markets. The positive reception of our first loads in Argentina confirms that we are on the right path, and it’s encouraging to see further orders coming in.
Editor: That’s fantastic news. You mentioned that quality is key to this export success. What measures have been put in place to ensure that Paraguayan produce meets international standards?
Pastor Soria: We’ve implemented rigorous quality control measures throughout the production process. This includes monitoring pest control, soil health, and ensuring that our farmers are trained in best practices for cultivation. As a result, our small producers are now able to deliver quality produce that can satisfy even the most demanding markets.
Editor: Are there plans to expand beyond tomatoes and carrots into other types of produce?
Pastor Soria: Absolutely. After the initial shipments, we’ve already sent additional loads of both tomatoes and carrots and have started to export onions, with peppers soon to follow. Our aim is to establish Paraguay as a reliable source for a variety of vegetables in the region, expanding our reach as we build on this initial success.
Editor: It sounds like you have a busy schedule ahead! How do you see this trend affecting future agricultural policies and support for local farmers?
Pastor Soria: This trend is very encouraging and will influence our future policies positively. We intend to focus on enhancing support for our farmers to ensure they can sustain increased production while maintaining quality. We are also looking at creating more cooperative frameworks among them, allowing them to pool resources and meet larger export orders.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Pastor Soria. It’s inspiring to hear about the positive developments in Paraguayan agriculture and the potential for growth in international markets.
Pastor Soria: Thank you. We’re excited about the future and committed to making Paraguayan agriculture a key player in the region.
And carrots to other products in the future?
Pastor Soria: Absolutely. We’re already seeing promising developments in the export of onions and locotes, with shipments scheduled to follow soon. Additionally, our focus on diversifying our offerings will help us tap into markets for peppers and cabbage as well, especially now that we’ve harmonized the phytosanitary requirements for these products with Argentina.
Editor: Speaking of expanding markets, there’s mention of eyeing opportunities in Chile as well. What kind of challenges do you anticipate in accessing such a competitive market?
Pastor Soria: Chile has strict phytosanitary regulations, which means we need to be even more meticulous in our production practices. However, we’re currently working on compliance to meet these standards. If we succeed in opening the tomato market next year, it could pave the way for further exports to not just Chile, but potentially markets in Europe as well.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of momentum building! How do you envision the future of Paraguayan agriculture in the context of these developments?
Pastor Soria: The future is very promising. With increased productivity and better quality, I believe that Paraguayan producers can make a significant mark on both regional and international markets. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to improve overall productivity will be vital. These initial successes are just the beginning, and we intend to build on this foundation for sustainable growth.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Pastor Soria. It’s an exciting time for Paraguayan agriculture. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold!
Pastor Soria: Thank you for having me. I’m optimistic about the future!
