Peru imports around US$40.6 million worth of apples each year, but a government-backed group believes better local supply is possible. 

In a release, Sierra Exportadora said it had been training small apple growers to grow new varieties such as Fuji, Gala and Cripps Pink, the latter being the varietal name for the brand 'Pink Lady'.

The entity claims the development is not just focused on the domestic market, but could take on export aspirations.

Peru's National Fruit Program highlights the country has 11,000 hectares of apples planted, of which 70% are of the "Delicias de Viscas" variety, with the rest made up of varieties including "Ana de Israel", "Winter" and "San Antonio".

Training will start with growers in the central Andean Viscas area in May, to be followed by programs in the nearby Huarochirí and Calango districts, in conjunction with the National Agricultural Innovation Institute (INIA).

Sierra Exportadora will provide technical assistance in good agricultural practices (BPA) to improve the food safety of the product, with an emphasis on a "rational" use of agri-chemicals.

The organization's executive president Alfonso Velásquez Tuesta said the inter-Andean valleys of Peru have the right weather conditions for producing the most in-demand apple varieties.

"The new varieties have a greater productivity per hectare, which will benefit small growers," he said, claiming that unlike in Chile, growers in these growers will be able to produce the fruit all year.

Peru exported a small amount of apples last year to Ecuador, with a value of US$550,899.

www.freshfruitportal.com