Discover the surprising connection between blueberries and the war on drugs. The show explores how U.S. initiatives helped Peruvians transition from coca to crops like asparagus and blueberries. Personal stories reveal the challenges faced by farmers in this shift, highlighting resilience amidst corruption. Learn about the blueberry boom, driven by trade agreements and U.S. demand. Taste tests showcase the Biloxi blueberry's reliability despite its flavor. Pop culture also plays a role in shaping consumer preferences for this wintertime delight.
The U.S. war on drugs inadvertently reshaped trade policies by promoting exports from coca-producing countries to reduce illegal farming.
Peru's successful emergence as a top blueberry supplier highlights how market trends and agriculture strategies can transform economies globally.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Trade Dynamics
The podcast examines the dramatic changes in international trade, particularly focusing on the shift that has taken place regarding the importation of goods like blueberries from Peru. Over the past few decades, trade relations have dramatically transformed, with tariffs and trade policies playing a crucial role in shaping these imports. By eliminating tariffs on goods from countries with high coca production, the U.S. aimed to facilitate legitimate trade and discourage coca farming, ultimately paving the way for new agricultural industries. This shift not only made fresh blueberries available year-round in American grocery stores but also highlights a broader transition in global trade dynamics that has significantly impacted both economies.
The War on Drugs and Agricultural Incentives
The podcast reveals how American intervention in Peru targeted cocaine production through a strategy that combined military efforts with economic incentives for farmers. While U.S. law enforcement agents actively worked to dismantle coca plantations, a parallel initiative focused on providing alternative livelihoods by promoting crops that could be exported. Through programs like USAID and efforts to boost agricultural exports, the initiative encouraged farmers to switch from coca to cash crops such as asparagus and ultimately blueberries. This comprehensive approach not only aimed to curb drug production but also to foster economic stability in rural Peru, showing how effective alternate strategies can reshape agricultural landscapes.
The Emergence of the Blueberry Industry
The podcast highlights the successful emergence of the Peruvian blueberry industry, stemming from years of agricultural development and consumer trends in the U.S. After struggling in initial efforts, Peruvian growers, led by entrepreneurial figures, tapped into the blueberry market by cultivating a variety well-suited to their environment. Factors such as consistent quality and strategic marketing, particularly during the rise of health trends around blueberries in America, enabled Peru to become a leading supplier. This growth not only transformed local economies but also illustrates the interconnectedness of global trade and consumer behavior.
Ever wondered why you can buy fresh Peruvian blueberries in the dead of winter? The answer, surprisingly, is tied to cocaine. Today on the show, we look at how the War on Drugs led to an American trade policy and a foreign aid initiative that won us blueberries all year round.
This episode was produced by Sylvie Douglis with help from Willa Rubin. It was edited by Marianne McCune and engineered by Jimmy Keeley. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.
