By Nyssa Lilovich
Since 2023, Purdue’s Office of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA) has provided technical assistance for the ATraCSI project, a $30.8 million USDA Food for Progress project designed to strengthen agriculture and trade in Central America’s Northern Triangle region, which includes El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
The ATraCSI project seeks to improve sanitary and phytosanitary capabilities in horticultural value chains. By working with government agencies, producer associations and industry partners, Purdue is helping growers in the region meet the standards required to export fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States and European markets. The university collaborates on the project with Improving Economies for Stronger Communities, a nonprofit organization with offices in all three countries.
Deering explained that the average farm in the region is small, so growers aggregate their avocados and other crops at central locations before sending them to packinghouses for sorting and packaging. Purdue teams have visited several testing labs to evaluate whether in-country growers can complete the necessary tests to qualify for export. The program is also working with labs to help them obtain accreditation.
Strengthening food safety and trade
“Purdue has supported partner countries by conducting diagnostic assessments to identify the technical needs of laboratories responsible for food quality and safety analyses,” said Silvia R. Vargas, postdoctoral researcher in Purdue’s Department of Animal Sciences. “We have provided training and tailored technical assistance to strengthen these capabilities.”
Source : purdue.edu