Agricultural producers say that Agrocalidad does not have the resources to function properly. Only two out of five priority investment projects are progressing.
More than 50 agricultural unions look with concern at the constant neglect and the growing lack of means to promote the proper functioning of the Zoo and Phytosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocality).
According to Rodrigo Gómez dela Torre, president of the Chamber of Agriculture of the First Zone, the budget for this institution has been cutting in recent years.
By 2022, an additional $ 24.6 million is needed for all five to take place Projects investment priorities. However, the unions denounce that, after several meetings with state entities, such as ministries and secretariats, there are no answers.
«Institutions like Agrocality They have a neuralgic importance because, inside, they guarantee the quality of the food; but they are also the face of Ecuador to the world, “said Gómez de la Torre.
Currently, there is no means for them to develop Projects vital such as the control of the fruit fly, which is essential to be able to export and diversify supply; animal health related to diseases (foot and mouth disease, swine flu, avian flu); and food safety laboratories.
Diana Espín, representative of the poultry sector, stressed that around $ 6,650 million in products of export, which can be left without access to markets due to the loss of quality certifications.
In addition, they are also leaving without controls a production for internal consumption that generates around $ 10 billion, and on which more than 2 million jobs depend.
«We need certifications, monitoring, technical personnel in the field to do follow-up. Projects must be included in current expenditure so that the money for Agrocality can flow unhindered every year, “Espín pointed out.
Likewise, the entity must be managed in a technical way and charges for its services must be self-managed, and not diverted for other State expenses.
José Antonio Hidalgo, leader of the banana sector, pointed out that the divestment in Agrocality also puts at risk the maintenance of the commercial agreements already signed, and the realization of those that are on the agenda for the next few years.
«The Government has to prioritize agriculture. How is it possible to have a budget of $ 22 million in 2022 to attend to agro-exports that represent billions of dollars, “he said.
Another great damage could be that the markets won for fruits such as pitahaya, tree tomato, blackberry, passion fruit, passion fruit, among others, are lost. In addition, certifications are needed so that the potential of 60,000 hectares of Hass avocado crops can be harnessed, which can generate income for the country of an additional $ 1 billion. (JS)
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