Our recent journey to Peru was a remarkable experience that deepened our connections with members of Agroferias Campesinas, revealed the depth of their work, and immersed us in the vibrant communities they serve. During 12 impactful days spent across Lima, Ica, and Piura, we met inspiring people and projects, while gaining crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities within Peru’s unique food systems.
This trip was part of a mission organized by the Italo-Latin American International Organization (IILA). Through this, we had the privilege of attending the launch of the Center for Experimentation and Training in Sustainable and Precision Agriculture (CECASP), a project developed in collaboration with the University of Piura. This experience not only highlighted IILA’s expertise in managing impactful international projects but also allowed us to meet the skilled and dedicated team behind it. Furthermore, it provided a unique window into the Peruvian agri-food industry—a global powerhouse that produces, packages, and exports enormous quantities of food to Western markets. Observing this sector firsthand underscored the environmental and socioeconomic dynamics at play within transnational, large-scale food production systems that shape global food economies today.
A key highlight of our journey was participating in a roundtable discussion on the governance of Peruvian food systems on our first day in Lima. Organized by our colleague Ana Maria Huaita Alfaro in conjunction with “Plataforma de Alimentación Saludable,” this event gathered a coalition led by the Metropolitan Lima Regional Council of the College of Nutritionists, dedicated to advancing food policies. We were introduced to a vibrant network of local practitioners and organizations working toward sustainable, inclusive, and equitable systems of food production, distribution, and consumption. This roundtable exemplified how civic engagement, and collaborative platforms can foster social innovation and promote knowledge sharing across communities.
This journey emphasized the urgent need to support alternative models for local food system governance, particularly as Peru faces the highest rates of food insecurity in South America. Agroferias Campesinas stood out as a unique model connecting producers from diverse regions around shared goals of sustainable growth, dignified work, and economic resilience. Every week, over 80 producers bring life and biodiversity to Avenida Brasil in Lima’s Magdalena neighborhood, providing fresh, seasonal products to consumers from various socioeconomic backgrounds. At the heart of Agroferias Campesinas lies a commitment to inclusivity and resilience, illustrating how local food systems are essential to addressing pressing food security challenges. These markets not only protect biodiversity but also ensure farmers’ livelihoods and create pathways for the next generation.
We are immensely grateful to Carlos, Jorge, Marisela, and the entire Agroferias Campesinas team for the unforgettable experiences. If you’re ever in Lima, we encourage you to visit their Agro-Shop in Lince, where you can savor local flavors daily. This shop provides producers a permanent and reliable sales location—an important asset in light of political instability that complicates access to public spaces. It’s a story familiar to all of us who set up markets to sell fresh, local food in streets, parks, and squares worldwide.
Special thanks to IILA for including us in this mission, to IFAD and FAO, particularly the FAO Mountain Partnership Team, for linking us with vital local organizations, and to Ana Maria Huaita Alfaro for her extensive knowledge and introductions. Heartfelt thanks to Nino Bariola for sharing wonderful culinary insights, and to Lucho and Ernesto, who expertly navigated Lima’s traffic alongside us.
