Along with detailing the main characteristics of this type of agriculture that incorporates elements such as the non-use of pesticides, respect for biological cycles and the promotion of biodiversity, the authority also announced the measures that the body carries out for adequate development and promotion of this activity at the local level.

More than once, we have all heard of so-called organic farming.

Traditionally the organic concept refers to a form of agricultural production that contemplated leaving aside the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The objective of this type of agriculture is none other than to offer much healthier fruits, vegetables and livestock products for human consumption.

In recent years, however, this type of production has included other concepts such as respect for biological cycles and the promotion of biodiversity.

This type of agriculture is strongly established in Europe and the United States, and given the growing demand for organic products, Chile has not lagged behind on this issue.

“It is important to point out that these organizations are mainly made up of small producers who are certified for the domestic market and now also for Brazil. So far in Chile, there are 22 certifying companies "

Jorge Navarro, SAG Regional Director

Currently, the Agricultural and Livestock Service, SAG, is in charge of overseeing compliance with the National Certification System for Organic Agricultural Products, created in 2007 under Law 20.089 of the Ministry of Agriculture.

In this regard, the regional director of said body, Jorge Navarro, explained that this measure was the starting point for those farmers who have opted for this production system, which began by offering only fresh products such as fruits and vegetables, but that has gone adding under the concept of "organic" more and more processed products.

In this sense, Navarro explains that "the region is a very important center in agricultural production of organic origin", among which products such as wines, olive oil, blueberries and quillay stand out.

Hence, he explains the importance of the organization he leads, as a guarantor in compliance and certification of the manufacturing processes of this type of products.

How is it achieved? Well, producers can choose between two mechanisms: hiring a certifying company (also called Third Party certification), or forming an Organization of Ecological Farmers (OAE).

“It is important to point out that these organizations are mainly made up of small producers who are certified for the domestic market and now also for Brazil. So far in Chile, there are 22 certifying companies, while in the region, there are also organizations of organic farmers. The idea as SAG is to be ready to help them, to manage everything that is necessary so that these types of producers can be certified, ”said Navarro.

“Healthier products are being consumed in the world. That is why in Chile the production of organic agriculture has increased a lot, approximately 24 or 25% at the national level in the last year ”, added the regional director of SAG.

The latter explains, as a consequence of the rise in certified organic hectares in the country. In 2019, the agricultural area certified as organic in Chile was 20.897 hectares, which represents an increase of 28,3% compared to the 2018 season.