SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF ORGANIC AVOCADO FARMS IN THE LIMA REGION, PERU

Abstract

Background. The Peruvian coast holds significant potential for expanding organic avocado cultivation, benefiting from optimal climatic conditions and increasing national and international demand for healthy foods produced through sustainable practices. Objective. To evaluate the sustainability and identify the critical points of the organic avocado production system in the Lima region, Peru. Methodology. Surveys were conducted among all producers with organic certification or in transition, located in four districts of Huaura province and one district of Barranca province-an area with a high concentration of organic avocado production. A multicriteria analysis was applied, incorporating 11 indicators and 25 sub-indicators of sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. These were standardized on a scale of 0 to 4 and weighted according to their importance. Results. All three groups of farms evaluated were sustainable, with average General Sustainability Index (ISGen) scores of 2.7, 3.4, and 3.1 for groups I, II, and III, respectively. However, critical points were identified, especially in Groups I and III, related to the irrigation methods. In Group I, a significant percentage of producers were still transitioning to organic certification and demonstrated low organic matter contributions. Implications. The results may contribute to improving the organic avocado production system in the study area, distinguishing it from conventional production through sustainable technologies and addressing critical points to strengthen its sustainability. Conclusions. Although all farms proved to be sustainable, critical issues, especially in groups I and III, need to be addressed to improve their future viability.