After 20 months of intense work, the AGRODES project "Associative Strengthening and Sustainable Development of the Value Chain of the Ecuadorian Avocado Export", implemented by CORPEIThe project, part of the European Union's AL-INVEST Verde programme, has come to an end, leaving a legacy of growth and sustainable development in the Ecuadorian avocado industry.

AL-INVEST Verde seeks to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America. It aims to support the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy, to facilitate the implementation of sustainable production models.

The results of the project were presented at a ceremony during which the achievements of the Programme in the region were also mentioned. AL-INVEST Verde has achieved the implementation of sustainable practices in more than 31 thousand MSMEs have received training to improve their productivity and efficiency, promote the circular economy and digitalisation, strengthening their capacities to compete in more demanding markets.

The Programme is being implemented in 15 countries, working in Ecuador with five projects that benefit both agricultural and industrial sectors, for which more than one million seven hundred thousand euros have been allocated. These projects are the responsibility of organisations such as CORPEI, Fedexpor, TRIAS and CODESPA, with CORPEI being the first to present results and complete their implementation.

"Under Component 1 - support to the private sector - the Programme has been promoting 66 projects in Latin America under a partnership scheme between Latin American and European institutions. Under Component 1, we seek to generate a tangible impact on different productive sectors by supporting the transition of thousands of MSMEs towards more sustainable, efficient and competitive business models," said Marcelo Alemán, AL-INVEST Verde representative in Ecuador.

The AGRODES project, with the participation of the Spanish agri-agency ACODEA, aimed to strengthen the value chain of the Ecuadorian avocado for export through training and technical assistance to small and medium-sized producers, as well as the promotion of sustainable practices and the improvement of competitiveness in the international market.

At the closing ceremony, Eduardo Egas, CORPEI's executive president stressed that the results presented have been the fruit of the joint work of various actors, "We have seen the importance of being able to work with small farmers, of being able to incorporate them into international market currents".

Among the project's achievements, the following stand out:

• The creation of a strategic plan for the competitive improvement and internationalisation of the avocado export sector.
• Training and technical assistance to more than 200 small and medium-sized producers and enterprises.
• Promoting sustainable practices and improving competitiveness in the international market.
• Participation in events to raise awareness and promote the Ecuadorian avocado industry.

The director of AGRODES, Mary Francis Andrade stressed that "the project has worked to strengthen the sector through a strategy that promotes sustainable agricultural practices, aligned with the demands and trends of international markets, thus opening up new business opportunities for Ecuadorian producers. In just 20 months we have worked with more than 200 MSMEs, strengthening their capacities and facilitating their access to markets.

During this closing ceremony, the initiatives that are still being implemented in the country were also presented.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 1, the programme manages funds for the implementation of innovative projects of small business associations to boost sustainable practices in the private sector. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating worldwide with the aim of promoting the private sector.

For more information visit: www.alinvest-verde.eu