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Peru's Fruit Exports Threatened by El Niño's Fury
5 Mar
Summary
- El Niño's heat and heavy rains may reduce farm export revenue to over $15 billion.
- Avocados, citrus, and blueberries are among fruits at risk during March harvest.
- Diversified growing regions and past lessons aid farmer resilience against El Niño.
Peruvian agricultural exporters are preparing for adverse weather conditions brought on by El Niño, which could slow the nation's robust growth in fruit and vegetable exports. Gabriel Amaro, head of AGAP, projects that revenue from farm shipments might decrease to just over $15 billion this year, falling short of the original $16 billion forecast, though still surpassing the 2025 record.
Fruits like avocados, citrus, and some blueberries, typically harvested in March, are at risk. El Niño events in the past have caused significant damage, with the 2017 event leading to loss of life and economic slowdown. In 2023, El Niño combined with a fertilizer crisis created challenges for agriculture, although higher global prices mitigated some export losses.
However, AGAP suggests increased crop diversification has improved the sector's resilience. For instance, blueberries, Peru's top farm export, are now grown in southern and highland areas, reducing vulnerability from northern region El Niño impacts. The Peruvian state agency anticipates a weak to moderate El Niño intensity this year, with potential extreme events on the northern coast.
