According to an article of the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (Odepa), Chilean organic blueberries were exported for a value of USD 147.893 million FOB, being the organic agro-industrial product that generated the most value for this country from January to November 2021.

Fresh blueberries originated twice the value of frozen ones, 99.668 and 48.244 million dollars (FOB) correspondingly.

It is not surprising then that the largest organic cultivation area in Chile in 2020 corresponds to this berry (5756 ha), followed by the wine grape (4408 ha), apple tree (2650 ha), raspberry (1639 ha) and olive tree (927 ha). ).

The boom in blueberry plantations can be explained by the end of the consultation made by the Ñuble and Biobío regions to the United States Department of Agriculture. The result was the publication in the United States federal registry of an outreach system for berry producers in those regions.

This system incorporates standards and pest risk control measures that do not include fumigating with methyl bromide, a compound that can affect the quality of the blueberry and, therefore, its price in the final market. By not using this fumigant, you avoid losing competitiveness with other producing countries that do not have the need to use them in their territories.

Organic crops in Chile are regulated by the National Organic Certification System that stipulates an accreditation for farmers interested in this market. It can be obtained through a rating company or after self-certification through one of the 22 Ecological Agricultural Organizations (OAE), all under the supervision of the Agricultural and Livestock Service.

Rise in demand for sustainability

In 5 years, the sale of organic products is expected to exceed 150 billion dollars worldwide, income driven by consumers with greater awareness of its benefits for health and the environment.

The United Nations Organization promotes the expansion of the organic industry since it promotes 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This form of agriculture is sustainable by taking care of water and soil, in addition to mitigating the effects of climate change. Consumers in search of more environmentally friendly products have contributed to the upward trend of this industry in Chile and in the world.

There were 311 million dollars (FOB) of organic agricultural products that were exported to more than 50 countries from Chile in 2020. This represents an increase of 155%, influenced by the rapid annual expansion of organic pastures for cattle in Magallanes.

International trade is facilitated by existing organic certification agreements. Chile maintains an equivalence agreement with the European Union and Switzerland, as well as an understanding agreement with Brazil. An agreement with the United States is currently in process and talks are being held with Japan and Australia.

If the certification with the US is approved, the entry of Chilean fruits to its main market will be facilitated. Together with Canada they originate 70% of the value created by the export of organics.

However, Odepa challenges to expand the organic industry by conquering the domestic market. In Chile, organic products were imported for a value of 9.086 million dollars in 2020; an opportunity for those interested in obtaining greater value for their products by generating a smaller environmental footprint.

For more technical information on growing organic blueberries, don't forget to sign up for the XVIII International Blueberries Chile 2022 Seminar to be held on April 7 at the Monticello Conference Center.