Organic from Chile take an important step in the EU

"We have taken an important step that opens multiple opportunities to the Chilean organic producers". This was expressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Furche, after the transcendental signing of a bilateral agreement on the recognition of equivalence on trade in organic products with the European Union (EU).

For his part, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations with Chile and held that "The organic sector in the EU continues to be one of our most dynamic production sectors and Chile has great potential to create opportunities for farmers and companies in this field".

According to Hogan, "What we have signed today will contribute to the creation of employment and growth for both partners with the guarantee for the consumer of a solid control system".

This agreement - signed within the framework of Minister Furche's participation in the Ministerial Meeting of the Committee on Agriculture of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that takes place in Paris - will allow a broader market for the / as organic farmers from both parties, will reduce the administrative burden for producers and companies and ultimately, will allow more organic products to be available to European and Chilean consumers, reported the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).

Also, this agreement is based on mutual recognition as equivalent to the respective production rules and control regime. In this way, the EU intends to phase out the current system of imports based on certifications issued by control bodies or certification bodies recognized by the EU.

The organic sector has been installed as one of the most dynamic within the agrolimentary sector of the EU, which has to date with 10,3 million hectares cultivated as organic, highlighting Spain, Italy, France and Germany.

The EU market for organic products reaches an 40% of the world market, being located only after the US. Chile, meanwhile, has excelled in this area with fresh and processed products such as wines, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, honey and medicinal herbs, among others. Among the main markets of destination are the USA, Canada, Holland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Japan.

In 2015, the export of organic products by Chile to the European Union exceeded USD 43 million, with a significant boost of blueberries, which totaled almost USD 10 million, followed by kiwis and apples. In addition to the fresh fruit, the organic wines with denomination of origin noted shipments for more USD 19 million and the olive oil noted shipments for USD 7.7 million

In addition to this agreement, Furche and Hogan addressed issues relevant to both parties such as bilateral agrifood trade within the framework of the Association Agreement that is in force since the 1 in February of 2003.

Meeting with Argentine Minister

Subsequently, Minister Furche met with his counterpart from Agribusiness of Argentina, Ricardo Buryaile, to address aspects of interest for the trans-Andean country regarding the process that Chile carried out until its incorporation as a full member of the OECD at 2010.

This is the second meeting between the two Secretaries of State in a bilateral agricultural and livestock trade relationship that exceeds USD 1.370 million. The main products exported by Chile to Argentina are avocados (avocados), puree paste and tomato juice, shelled almonds, cellulose and kiwis. Meanwhile, imports from Argentina are led by corn, beef, edible oils, soy cakes and wheat.

Source: Fruit Portal.with

 

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