Bolivia is the geographic centre of origin of the peanut. The diversity of this crop generates competitive advantages of market access. The value of the table peanut business on a national level is US $14 million. Its production is oriented toward consumption as a nut. The farmers dedicated to the production are mainly of Quechua, Guarani, and Guarayo ethnic backgrounds, who sow between 0.25 and 1 hectare of peanuts per family.

It is estimated that there are 12,000 peanut producers in the country, of which 3,000 are in the lowlands of Santa Cruz, 3,000 in the Chaco region, 1,500 in the valleys of Cochabamba, 3,000 in the valleys of Chuquisaca, and 1,500 in the temperate Valleys of Santa Cruz.

The Peanut Program of Fundación Valles, started in 2004 and orients its work towards improving the competitiveness of the peanut production chain through technological innovations, training specialized human resources, consolidating national markets and access to external “niche” markets, with a focus on social inclusion and sustainable management of natural resources. The goal is to make the Program a reference point at the national level; to promote technological innovation through the financing projects, to generate strengthening mechanisms for clients and providers in the peanut production chain, and to influence public policies and strategies that will fortify this sector.

Coverage: 20 Municipalities
Cochabamba (4), Chuquisaca (8), Santa Cruz (6), Potosí (2)

• Development and distribution of a package of integrated crop management regarding sowing densities, fertilization, diseases, pests and weeds, among others
• Development of Systems of Local Seed Supply (SLAS - Sistemas de Abastecimiento Local de Semillas) and production of certified seeds
• Improvement and purification of ecotypes that provided 11 new native varieties registered in the National Seed Program
• Introduction and development of technologies with animal and motor power (intermediate) for sowing and harvesting at the level of the small producer
• Improvement and dissemination of postharvest technologies of trimming, shelling, selection and classification.
• Generation of technology for roasting peanuts: design, provision and patenting of an industrial convection oven with automated control and efficient heat transfer systems
• Promotion and export of shelled peanuts to the European Union
• Taking actions to market raw and roasted peanuts in the shell in the domestic market
• Promotion of market opportunities for specialty peanuts, with a vision to environmentally friendly, sustainable agriculture that takes competitive advantage of a gourmet nut cultivated at altitudes of up to 2,200 meters above sea level
• Development of systems of production and opening of markets for organic peanuts under regulations of the European Union
• Six Bolivian quality standards regarding the definitions, quality requirements for shelled and unshelled peanuts, peanuts roasted in the shell, aflatoxins, and practices of good hygiene with the Bolivian Institute of Standards and Quality