Agr Eng. Leonardo Escobar Bravo / Guayaquil
Deep Ecuador: The land of four worlds
Producers of our world Ecuadorit is time to seek union and establish corporations, cooperatives and associations of small and medium producers. The abandonment of the farmers is notorious, but by organizing they will be able to get fair prices. Have you looked at the prices in the US? The cameras and the authorities have abandoned the countryside, promoting rural migration and leaving the Empty Homeland in the dark.
Jaime Roldós made it clear: “Ecuador must be the breadbasket of America and the world.”
Machala: The Banana Capital of the World and the best in the world.
Carmen: The Banana Capital of the World and the best in the world.
Orito Guinea: The most exquisite in the world.
Flores: The best in the world.
Manta: The Tuna Capital of the World and the tastiest in the world.
Fine aromatic cocoa: The best in the world.
Broccoli: The best in the world.
Shrimp: The best in the world.
Ecuador has not had an agricultural census since 2000.
Ecuador has not had a State agricultural work program since 2004.
Rich homeland, people with Talent, Talent and Enjundia.
May God bless us and give us light in this darkness.
Look back at the field
Leonardo Escobar Bravo
What are the main challenges facing small and medium agricultural producers in Ecuador today?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agr. Leonardo Escobar Bravo
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Agr. Leonardo Escobar Bravo! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the current agricultural landscape in Ecuador. You mentioned in your article that there’s a pressing need for small and medium producers to unite. Can you elaborate on why this is so crucial for the future of Ecuador’s agriculture?
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: Thank you for having me! It’s essential for small and medium producers in Ecuador to come together now more than ever. The agricultural sector has been struggling with abandonment, leading to a significant increase in rural migration. By forming corporations, cooperatives, and associations, these producers can leverage collective bargaining power to secure fair prices for their goods. When they stand united, they can better negotiate with larger entities, ensuring that their needs and their contributions to the economy are recognized and rewarded.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling point. You mentioned the stark contrast between prices in Ecuador and the US. Can you provide more context on how this disparity impacts local farmers?
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: Absolutely. The price differences are alarming and create a vicious cycle of poverty among local farmers. For example, while Ecuadorian banana producers are some of the best in the world, they often receive only a fraction of what bananas sell for in the US and other international markets. This disparity demotivates farmers and drives them away from agriculture, further exacerbating the issue of rural abandonment. We need to raise awareness and create strategies that ensure fair pricing for our agricultural products.
Time.news Editor: You referenced Jaime Roldós in your article, who stated, ”Ecuador must be the breadbasket of America and the world.” In what ways can the country align itself with this vision moving forward?
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: Roldós’s vision is still very relevant today. To transform Ecuador into the breadbasket it has the potential to be, we must prioritize investment in agricultural technology, infrastructure, and education for our farmers. We should also promote sustainable practices to boost productivity without compromising our environment. By enhancing our agricultural capabilities, we can regain our position as a leading supplier in the global market, ensuring that we can feed both our nation and others.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is necessary. You pointed out the regions of Machala and Carmen as significant banana producers. Can you elaborate on their roles in the global market?
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: Certainly! Machala and Carmen are known as the Banana Capitals of the World for good reason. These regions have a long-standing tradition of banana production, and their exports are pivotal for the Ecuadorian economy. They not only contribute significantly to our GDP but also provide employment to thousands of families. However, we need to ensure that the wealth generated benefits the local communities directly, enhancing their quality of life and economic stability.
Time.news Editor: In your view, what role do the authorities and agricultural organizations play in supporting these initiatives?
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: The role of authorities and agricultural organizations cannot be overstated. They must invest in rural development and ensure policies are in place that support farmers rather than driving them away. This includes providing resources for education on sustainable practices and market access, as well as reinforcing infrastructure to facilitate trade. By working alongside producers, we can address the root causes of agricultural abandonment and establish a thriving ecosystem in the countryside.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Agr. Leonadro Escobar Bravo, for sharing these insightful perspectives on Ecuador’s agricultural future. It’s clear that collective efforts and strategic investments are vital for the betterment of our farmers and the country as a whole.
Leonardo Escobar Bravo: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics, and I’m hopeful for a brighter future for Ecuador’s agriculture through unity and collaboration.