At the invitation of the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF), Utah Farm Bureau, the Utah Woolgrowers Association, Utah State University, and others attended a breakfast meeting with a delegation of business and government leaders of Peru to talk about agribusiness opportunities in that country. This included discussions about agricultural technology, food processing, and exports. 

Included in the delegation was Eduardo Salhuana, former President of the Congress of Peru and current Congressional member representing the Madre de Dios region, and additional congressional leaders, as well as David Utrilla, who organized the meeting as the former Honorary Consul of Peru in Utah and a ProInversión Consultant. 

Sierra Nelson (left) of the Utah Woolgrowers Association visiting with the Peruvian delegation.

The group also discussed opportunities for partnerships in large-scale agricultural projects, and highlighted why a Peru–Utah cooperation is valuable beyond tourism. Much of this was in preparation for the new direct flight from Salt Lake City to Lima on Delta Airlines, which starts in December 2025. Peru is a year-round agricultural powerhouse supplying high-demand products such as avocados, grapes, blueberries, asparagus, and quinoa to global markets.

While discussing the benefits of mutually-beneficial trade and investment, the groups truly connected on a personal level as sheep rancher Bret Selman of Box Elder County and Sierra Nelson of the Utah Woolgrower's Association shared the fond connection many ranchers in Utah have with their predominantly Peruvian sheep herders.

"We get to know them as family, and treat them like our family," Selman said.

Members of the Peruvian delegation seated on the left, along with UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson (second from right) and Deputy Commissioner Amber Brown (far right).

Nelson and Selman also implored ways the Peruvian government can help reduce delays in visa applications between the two countries. 

USU Extension's Ken White talked about the involvement of the university with Peruvian students and research projects that can benefit the two countries. Many attending the meeting, along with others in Utah agencies, will be on the initial flight from SLC to Peru later this year.