News from Peru: In the first half of the year alpaca fiber exports from Arequipa increased 30 percent, compared to the same period in 2007, totaling sales of 800 million dollars, the president of the Peruvian Institute of Alpaca and Camelids (IPAC), Mauricio Chirinos Chirinos, stated today..

Alpaca fiber exports and Value Added products such as garments and accessories are the main items exported to Asia. The European market is another main consumer, Chirinos said.

Alpaca fiber volume exports are expected to increase 12 percent by the end of the year based on the interest of Asians and Europeans in garments made with this material. The APEC meeting held in Arequipa allowed other Asian and European countries to get to know alpaca fiber, its production and processing, resulting in an increase in demand.”

Meanwhile back in sunny southern Oregon the fruit trees are all starting to produce fruits which is something of a miracle given my past experience with fruit growing.