La Libertad, Peru: Agribusiness faces unprecedented production and employment crisis
La agribusiness of La Libertad, one of the most important regions of Peru, is facing an unprecedented crisis. High temperatures and lack of water, such as consequence of the El Niño Phenomenon, have caused a significant decrease in the production of emblematic fruits such as blueberries, avocados and mangoes.
According to data from the Association for Sustainable Agricultural Development (ADAS), in La Libertad the production of blueberries has been reduced by 50%, that of avocados by 20% and that of mangoes by 75%. This situation has caused a drastic reduction in the workforce, which could lead to thousands of layoffs in the coming months.
It's a statement, ADAS called for immediate action to the Government of Peru to implement a plan to reactivate private investment that helps guarantee the generation of employment and development. The union also asked the authorities to take immediate actions to mitigate the impact of the El Niño Phenomenon, such as clearing rivers and cleaning drains.
The crisis in the agroindustrial sector of La Libertad could have a significant impact on the regional economy. Agribusiness is one of the main drivers of La Libertad's economy, generating more than 150 thousand formal jobs.
If the crisis worsens, it could cause an increase in unemployment and poverty in the La Libertad region. Also could affect the national food supply, since La Libertad is an important producer of fruits and vegetables.