Agriculture in Chile is a strategically important sector. The objective is to make Chile part of the 10 largest food exporters in the world by 2015. At the moment Chile is round about No:17. From the beginning of this century food export increased by an average of 12% annually to 9.4 billion euro in 2008. Further processing and surplus values are central in the policy.
Primary production is only a small part of the gross national product. Because of the closed-in position of the country sanitary provisions are second to none and these are a pillar of the export success in agriculture. The borders of the country are therefore very carefully guarded.
The difference in seasons make it possible for Chile to supply large quantities of fruit to the northern hemisphere. It is the largest exporter in the world of table grapes, the second largest exporter of kiwi and avocado and leading in apples, pears and hard fruit. Chile is responsible for 2% of the worldwide production of cherries, but that is equal to 80% of the out of season demand.
Growers' rights
One of the priorities in the development of agriculture is the ratification of UPOV '91 and the introduction of a modern growers law. Chile has accepted responsibility in terms of the Vrijhandelsverdrag, which it has entered into with the United States. Finalisation should have been official on 1 January 2009, but was delayed under the previous government. It is expected that the new law will be ready within the next few months. It will make Chile even more interesting for the development of vegetable starting material. Furthermore Chile will not allow protection via plant patents.
Genetic plants
With the new government Chile will create possibilities to grow genetically modified plants as soon as possible. Already seeds are being increased in great quantities for American companies, but up to now it is not allowed to import genetically modified plants. Minister of Agriculture Galilea is the spiritual father of a bill, which was prepared two years ago. Research institutions have already for some years been working on the development of new fruit varieties and cross-gene salmon.
Hothouse culture
For Dutch suppliers to horticulture opportunities are different. Hothouse cultivation will not develop very quickly. Recently a complex of 4,5 HA of plastic was built for the production of tomatoes, but as long as the local fresh market remains unorganised, this will not change quickly. Supermarkets, large processors or private investors could possibly take the initiative.
Opportunities
The opportunities are actually with the companies, which could assist Chile further by improving those things the country is good in, by strengthening existing chains.
A recent mission about cooling techniques in the fruit sector is proof of this. A more efficient processing of non-bulk products, quality control systems, knowledge: that is what is required. The drive to become an agricultural powerhouse is undiminished and the inclusion of small producers in the market is compulsory. There are not many suitable fairs in Chile, but there is a large number of public and private organisations, with which promotional activities can be started.
