The Peruvian government is raising the profile of the country’s alpaca breeders, evidenced by its recent decision to invest more than USD$29 million into the alpaca breeding community. The capital will be directed toward hundreds of alpaca-breeder associations across the country.

 

Peru over the weekend celebrated Alpaca National Day to honor the breeders who raise the animal.  The celebrations were attended by industry and government officials as well as breeders. Peruvian alpacas are used to make clothing and for food consumption.

 

In the first five months of the year, Peru exports of Alpaca fiber surpassed $21 million compared to $18 million on lower volume in the same period a year ago, which reflects the increased support and improved trade conditions for the alpaca breeders in the region.

 

Peru represents more than three-quarters of the world’s alpaca population and is touted as the world’s largest fiber producer, according to stats cited in Andina.com. The South American country is home to more than 3.6 million camelids, which is the family to which alpacas belong, the overwhelming majority of which are owned by small-sized breeders.