The industry of blueberry It is experiencing a period of transformation marked by increased competitive demands, production challenges, and the need to integrate diverse perspectives to better understand the present and project the future of the sector. In this context, the XL International Seminar Blueberries Chile 2026 It not only proposes a high-level agenda around market, genetics, physiology and quality, but also highlights another dimension of value of the meeting: the contribution of women to the conversation and to the development of the industry.

This dimension finds a relevant point of support in the presence of AMAGRO AG, an organization that defines itself as the first Trade Association of Women in Agriculture in Chile and that works for the representation, visibility and strengthening of women in the sector, as well as the articulation of networks and spaces for collaboration.

Their participation in the seminar aligns naturally with an event that brings together stakeholders from across the industry. blueberry to discuss competitiveness, knowledge, and innovation. For the association, being present in this space also expresses women's commitment to the future of Chilean fruit farming and, in particular, to an industry as dynamic and challenging as that of the blueberry.

Photo: Amagro Directory 2025-2027

In the words of Maritrini Lapuente, president of the Chilean Women's Agricultural Association, this participation also constitutes “A strategic opportunity to strengthen and raise the profile of our association and our network of members in a highly specialized environment”, in a scenario where knowledge, innovation and long-term vision converge to face challenges such as climate change, international competition and sustainability.

Women present in different areas of the program

The female presence is also reflected in the event program itself. The welcoming remarks will include the participation of [names of women]. María Sofía Silva, regional director of ProChile for O'Higgins, and María Teresa PinoDeputy National Director of R&D at INIA. Later, Pilar Bathed, from Hortifrut Genetics & APAC, will be part of the panel “Chile facing new global competition: Defensive strategy or transformation?”, and Amaya Atucha, from the University of Wisconsin Madison, will present a technical exhibit on heat stress physiology and management strategies in Vaccinium crops.

Photo: Amaya Atucha, María Sofía Silva, Pilar Bañados and María Teresa Pino © Blueberries Consulting

For AMAGRO, the participation of women in these spaces has a particularly significant value, because it allows for the visibility of female role models in an agenda where some of the most relevant issues for the competitiveness of the sector are discussed.

Maritrini Lapuente It highlights that the presence of women like Sofía Silva, Pilar Bañados y Amaya Atucha "It reflects how knowledge, applied science and strategy are also being led by women in key areas of agricultural development."

In his opinion, these are figures who represent technical excellence, global vision and innovation in areas as relevant as international promotion, genetic improvement and the adaptation of crops to climate change.

His presence, he adds, also has a value that transcends his specific skills, because “They are role models who pave the way for other women and help strengthen their position as a fundamental part of the agricultural ecosystem and, therefore, of the food security of our country and the world.”

A shared perspective from Blueberries Consulting

From the seminar organizers' perspective, this presence is also understood as an expression of the current state of the sector. Grecia Navas, Project Manager at Blueberries Consulting and member of AMAGRO, making these voices visible strengthens the meaning of the meeting and broadens the sectoral conversation, because “For Blueberries Consulting, it is very valuable that the seminar brings together women who are currently contributing to agriculture through institutional representation, strategy, science, and management. This presence broadens the conversation and better reflects the diversity of actors driving the development of the blueberry industry.”.

Grecia Navas, Project Manager at Blueberries Consulting, with Jorge Retamales at the Blueberries International Seminar Lima 2026.

For its part, María Jesús GreveThe Technical Head of R&D at Blueberries Consulting highlights that the participation of women in the seminar also emphasizes the contribution they make today through research, applied innovation and knowledge generation for the industry.

In his words, “Women are also making very concrete contributions to the development of agriculture through research, innovation, and knowledge transfer. Having this perspective present in a space like this seminar enriches the technical discussion and provides new perspectives for addressing the productive and strategic challenges of the industry.” blueberry".

References, networks and projection for the industry

Along the same lines, AMAGRO's participation offers a complementary perspective on the value of building networks, creating opportunities, and projecting leadership within agriculture. In an industry like agriculture... blueberryWhere innovation, technical requirements, commercial vision and collaboration between actors converge, collaborative work and the visibility of female experiences are also part of its development.

In addition to contributing to the growth of the sector, the women present at the seminar enrich the agenda with experience, knowledge, strategic vision and the ability to coordinate. Maritrini Lapuente emphasizes that women contribute “A comprehensive vision that combines technical rigor, adaptability, collaborative management, a long-term perspective, and a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.”In an industry like that of blueberryHe adds that these attributes are fundamental because it is a sector that demands precision, constant innovation and resilience in the face of uncertain and changing contexts.

Photo: Amagro at the International Blueberries Seminar Chile 2025

From this perspective, making women visible and incorporating more of them into work teams and decision-making positions not only responds to a need for recognition, but also to a strategic logic to attract new talent and strengthen the competitiveness of the sector.

"The agriculture of the future definitely needs more diversity of perspectives and skills to be competitive," She affirms that dispensing with that female leadership would be a bad decision for an industry that needs to project itself more broadly.

Thus, the XL International Seminar Blueberries Chile 2026 will not only offer a specialized agenda on market, genetics, physiology and quality, but will also highlight the contribution of women who are actively participating in building the present and future of the sector.

In this context, the presence of AMAGRO, the perspective of Blueberries Consulting, and the participation of women in different areas of the program add an additional layer of value to a meeting designed to consider the new challenges of blueberry.

Read also:

Blueberry physiology: understanding the plant to compete in demanding markets

Chile facing new global competition: the panel that will open a key conversation for the blueberry industry

The voices that drive the blueberry industry today are focusing on its new challenges

International Blueberry Seminars 2026: Blueberries travel through Peru, Chile, Mexico, Morocco and China

Check out the summary of the Blueberries Chile 2025 Seminar on our website. Blueberries TV Youtube channel