Peru to Advance Food Safety with Inter-American Development Bank Support

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $68 million loan to help Peru strengthen its food safety surveillance and control services. The operation aims to strengthen the role of the National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) in managing risks in the surveillance and sanitary control of primary agricultural foodstuffs and animal feed. This is the third individual operation under a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP).

Peru’s agricultural industry has grown significantly over the last 20 years and is now the country’s second-largest sector in terms of total exports. The sector has yet to address certain gaps in agrifood safety for foreign trade and, especially, Peruvian public health. It needs to reduce the level of microbiological and chemical contaminants from poor food safety that could cause foodborne illnesses.

For over two decades, the country has improved animal and plant health at the national level, helping it enter new markets and expand agricultural exports. Through this operation, which has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, the country will further strengthen SENASA’s sanitary surveillance and control of agrifood safety.

The program also aims to enhance communication about the risks of poor safety in primary agricultural foods and feedstuffs. It will train SENASA technicians to communicate these risks using a behavioral economics approach. Additionally, it will build the capacities of farmers at field schools and encourage the adoption and certification of good agricultural and hygiene practices.

This project will benefit over 100,000 family farmers through the Farmer Field Schools. Indirectly, all Peruvian consumers will benefit in the medium and long term from the more widespread availability of foods that meet national food safety standards.

The IDB loan has a 25-year repayment term and a 5.5-year grace period.