A New Phytosanitary Center for Ecuador’s Dragon Fruit
A phytosanitary center is a specialized facility that analyzes, controls, and prevents pests and diseases affecting crops. Its purpose is to ensure that agricultural products meet international quality and food safety standards—essential requirements for entering global markets. With this vision in mind, Ecuador has taken a strategic step to strengthen the export of one of its flagship fruits: dragon fruit (pitahaya).
Ecuador Inaugurates Its First Specialized Dragon Fruit Center
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has inaugurated the first Phytosanitary Center for Innovation, Development, and Study of Dragon Fruit (Cefidep) in Palora, Morona Santiago—one of the areas with the highest production of this fruit in the country. This new facility aims to improve phytosanitary management and increase the competitiveness of the agro-export chain through technical practices that enhance pest control and raise food safety standards. The initiative was developed with the support of Agrocalidad, IICA, and Iniap, positioning itself as a strategic investment for the sector.
A Milestone for More Than 2,000 Producers in Ecuador
The dragon fruit production chain brings together thousands of families across 18 provinces, along with 2,260 producers and more than 600 exporters. With the opening of Cefidep, the government highlights that this model can serve as an example for other agricultural value chains, promoting better practices and strengthening collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and international partners. Authorities emphasize that reinforcing this industry is key to maintaining the sustained growth of Ecuadorian fruit in international markets.
Technical Services and Greater Competitiveness for Export
The center will provide phytosanitary diagnostics, technical training, and direct support to more than 1,500 producers and 60 aggregators in Palora. This will help improve production processes, meet export protocols, and boost the global presence of Ecuadorian dragon fruit. In 2024 alone, Ecuador exported more than 50,000 tons of this fruit to 61 markets, generating USD 158 million in revenue. With this new center, the country strengthens its global leadership in the production of high-quality dragon fruit.
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