FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative in Peru

FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative facilitates landmark deal for Peruvian native potato farmers

07.03.2025

Peruvian native potatoes are gaining global recognition for their diversity, nutrition, and growing market demand. With over 4,000 varieties cultivated in the Andean highlands, they represent one of the world’s most diverse and resilient food sources. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these potatoes contribute to food security while offering new opportunities for sustainable, high-value market integration. Their growing appeal extends beyond traditional markets, positioning Peru as a key player in the future of innovative and nutrient-rich food products.

Through the support of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, a country-led program by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), small-scale farmers in Junín, Peru, have secured a major commercial agreement to supply 600 tons of native potatoes to the snack industry. Valued at approximately USD 373 014, this partnership also resulted from the commercial coordination efforts led by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) through its Agromercado program. This milestone strengthens the market integration of family farmers and enhances their economic opportunities

The Nueva Esperanza de Ranchopampa Agrarian Cooperative in Huancayo has already shipped the first batch of eight tons of Cacho de Toro potatoes to Tiyapuy, a snack company with a processing plant in Lima. Under this agreement, deliveries will continue biweekly in February and shift to weekly from March to April. By July, following the main harvest in May, the full 600-ton supply – including Sumac Soncco, Cacho de Toro, Cceccorani, and Huayro Macho varieties – will be completed.

The 600 tons of native potatoes will be supplied by two agrarian cooperatives: 500 tons from Sierra Central and 100 tons from Nueva Esperanza de Ranchopampa. These potatoes are grown across 60 hectares in the rural communities of Patalá, Cullhuas, Chicche, and Pomamanta, located in the districts of Cullhuas and Pucará. Together, these areas have an annual production capacity of 700.

The Role of Hand-in-Hand

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports country-led efforts by providing partners like MIDAGRI with geospatial data, high-level partnerships, and technical expertise to enhance strategic investment decisions. Through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as soil quality, climate conditions, infrastructure, and market demand, the initiative ensures that resources are directed where they can generate the greatest impact, strengthening rural livelihoods and creating sustainable agrifood systems.

Peru is a prime example of how targeted investment can transform agrifood systems. "Peru shows we are on the right track, combining innovation and strategic investment to build synergies that go beyond food production, creating sustainable livelihoods and stronger rural economies," says FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero. By linking tradition with global market potential, this approach strengthens Peru’s potato sector while setting a model for other regions seeking to integrate smallholder farmers into global markets.