The fresh produce sector in Peru is bracing itself again after fresh calls for protests to resume in the capital city of Lima, Peru, next week. The agricultural producer organisation Agap as well as producers have warned that the industry and country can ill afford more unrest. This warning comes as Peruvian agriculture is still battling effects of riots and protests from the end of last year and start of this year, followed by a cyclone Yaku that brought some damage while the El Niño weather phenomenon threatens too.
Ing. Mercedes Auris, is a proud Peruvian business owner, who encourages people to "continue working and moving forward our beloved country."
Agap Peru noted in their most recent statement: “In the different regions of the country the programming of violent activities in strategic areas is being disseminated, on the dates close to the so-called "Tama of Lima". Faced with this, we express our concern because these minority groups have been encouraging the population to join these demonstrations that would cause the closure of highways, the blocking of access to ports, airports and, above all, restrictions on the transit of workers and of citizens in general.”
“We emphasize that the freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right. This must be done respecting the rights of others to move freely through the territory, without affecting the right of third parties, the right to work, private property or any act of violence against authority. We urge the authorities to have the necessary prevention measures in those strategic points of the national territory to provide guarantees to Peruvians who embrace peace and work to promote growth and progress for all.”
Mercedes Auris, popularly known as Peru's 'Grape Lady', owner of the nursery Vivero los Viñedos, who also owns a table grape farm expressed her serious concern: “Friends, today I want to address all of you so that together we raise our voice, making an urgent call to the government authorities to take immediate action in the face of the situation that all Peruvian agribusiness is going through. We are being severely affected by the delays of the strikes and the blockade of the roads, the consequences of Cyclone Yaku and today an uncertain future is looming due to a phenomenon of El Niño that every day takes more strength.
“Today, agribusiness is the one that generates the most jobs nationwide, with 70% of the costs, labour. For decades we have been contributing to improving the quality of life of many Peruvians, of each small and medium farmer. Therefore, we demand that the right measures be taken and immediate solutions implemented in favour of the development of Peruvian agriculture, sustainable agriculture and export. It is today that Peru needs us and, united, we can achieve much more by joining efforts to move forward.”
For more information:
Association of Agrarian Producers Guilds of Peru
Email: [email protected]
www.agapperu.org
Mercedes Auris
Vivero los Viñedos
Tel: +51 959 391 771
Email: [email protected]
www.vlv.pe