From Coffee to Citrus: Citrculture in Colombia

By -
Vista of coffee growing in the mountains of Colombia
Colombia has traditionally been known for its production and export of high-quality coffee. Because coffee is grown at higher altitudes (roughly 1,400 meters above sea level), this leaves large parts of the country at lower altitudes available for alternative crops. Many of these areas have optimum soil conditions and climates for crops like citrus fruit. In Colombia, almost 45,000 hectares of citrus fruits, mainly oranges, tangerines and lemons, have been planted throughout these lower altitude regions. The citrus sector faces some significant growth challenges though. There are very few nurseries cultivating citrus plants and no regulations to monitor the health of the propagation materials used in citrus plantations. Technological deficits in crop management, irrigation control, pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting are also hampering increased citrus production. Combined, these problems contribute to low and unpredictable yields.

Ben Faber during a 2009 F2F assignment in avocado
production in the DR
In response to these difficulties, Colombia’s National Apprenticeship Service (SENA) reached out to Partners of the Americas’ Farmer-to-Farmer program to request the assistance of a U.S. citrus expert. SENA is a national organization that provides comprehensive vocational and technical training to Colombians in order to increase national productivity and promote the economic and social development of the country. 

In September 2014, citrus expert Ben Faber will be traveling as a Flex F2F volunteer to Colombia to train SENA technicians on proper management (i.e., irrigation, fertilization, integrated pest management and harvesting) of citrus nurseries and orchards in order to increase their productivity and global competitiveness. He will also work with Colombian experts to identify and implement best practices for the proper development of nursery plants suitable for planting across the country.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Better Marketing and Communications to Showcase the Work of our Hosts in Colombia

By -
Image
Salva Terra Foundation has focused on supporting vulnerable communities through sustainable agriculture. They work with impoverished populations and victims of violence in Medellin and aim to promote farming and develop local skills to work in the agricultural industry in an ecological manner. This process of bringing together concepts such as social impact, sustainable development, environmental protection, and food security requires excellent outreach and promotion. Therefore, they requested a F2F volunteer to help them develop a communication and marketing plan. The chosen volunteer for this assignment was Dr. Sindy Chapa. She has a B.A. in Mass Media Communications, with a Minor in Television and Art Design, an MBA, and Ph.D. in International Business/Marketing. She is the Director and Associate Professor at the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication at Florida State University and has won several communications awards. Dr. Chapa decided to use Salva Terra as one of the case ...
Read more

Digital Marketing in Colombia

By -
Image
Digital Marketing is one way that entrepreneurs and producers across the globe can reach new markets and increase sales. But what is digital marketing and how can a small Colombian business use it to maximize the number of people who come across its brand? These are the questions that Zen Naturals was asking itself. Zen Naturals is a natural cosmetic manufacturing company based in Cali, Colombia. Zen Naturals develops natural cosmetics made from exotic ingredients from Colombia’s outstanding biodiversity. Through ethical manufacturing and fair trade practices, they are also taking a leadership role in re-investing in the communities that grow the ingredients used in their products. Currently, Zen Naturals supports more than 95 Colombian quinoa farming communities through Fair-Trade Practices and technical assistance on their production. Zen Naturals is preparing to launch their quinoa facial care products in Whole Foods Markets in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. in 2017....
Read more

Supporting Anti-Child Labor Projects in Ecuador and Panama

By -
Image
EducaFuturo is a program currently being implemented by Partners of the Americas in Ecuador and Panama. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), EducaFuturo seeks to combat child labor in both countries through educational programs, vocational training, and livelihood services. F2F has partnered with EducaFuturo on numerous occasions over the past 5 years, sending 7 volunteers to support their efforts in improving the educational outcomes of youth involved in child labor, while also increasing the income opportunities of households to reduce reliance on child labor. Volunteers have provided training on a range of topics, including sustainable production practices, processing, business management, and marketing. In January 2016, F2F volunteer Carmen Pacheco-Borden traveled to Panama to work with native Ngabe-Bugle women’s groups in the tomato farming communities of Hato Chami and Boca de Monte to make value-added products from their harvests and consequently increase their hous...
Read more