Industry operations largely unaffected following earthquake, says Colombia Avocado Board 

Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the west of the country on August 10, the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) reports that local production and export of the fruit remain largely unaffected. 

The organization has contacted CAB members across the affected area, and reports indicate that avocado orchards, packing facilities, infrastructure systems and principal transportation routes are operating without limitations attributable to the earthquake.

“CAB’s assessment indicates that Colombia’s Hass avocado industry remains capable of supplying the US market during the upcoming season without any expected changes,” said CAB Managing Director Manuel Michel. “Although the industry’s infrastructure was spared, we understand that some employees, their families and their communities have experienced personal losses and the industry is supporting them. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected as recovery efforts continue.”

The seismic event was centered near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó in western Colombia. Effects were reported across the coffee- and avocado-producing departments of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda, as well as Valle del Cauca. Most serious damage reports were from older buildings and areas in cities including Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, Armenia, and Manizales.

Landslides temporarily affected roads in avocado-producing areas, but major routes have been cleared, and smaller roads are expected to return to normal operations shortly.  Antioquia, Colombia’s largest avocado-producing department, reported little to no disruption to avocado orchards, infrastructure, or agroindustry operations. 

While avocado orchards and packing facilities generally avoided damage, the full extent of personal losses is still being assessed. Industry support efforts are being coordinated with Corpohass, Colombia’s association of Hass avocado growers and exporters. 

Colombian fruit shows resilience 

Similar reports from fruit and fresh produce growers and distributors across the country bring a sigh of relief to the exporting sector, which has largely remained operative during the emergency. 

“We did not experience significant damage to our operations in the departments of Quindío and Caldas or at our packing facility in Antioquia,” said Sergio Plata, Country Manager for Baika Fruits in Colombia. “Our employees are safe, and we are actively supporting affected communities in their recovery efforts.” 

Ricardo Mejia, General Manager of Fruty Green, which has operations in Risaralda, also reported that the company is operating normally after the earthquake. 

“We began harvesting during week 33, and the main-season crop is showing encouraging quality and volume,” he said. “El Niño and the possibility of below-normal rainfall remain a concern, but growers are preparing and taking the steps available to manage those conditions.”

Colombia’s main-season harvest has begun in some areas and is expected to build gradually as we move toward October and November, with the peak harvest period anticipated around January.

*All images courtesy of the Colombian Avocado Board. 

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