O’Higgins creates public-private table to address plant health risks

Chile’s O’Higgins Region has set up a public-private working table to coordinate responses to phytosanitary risks that could affect agricultural production and exports.

The first session of the Mesa Público-Privada de Protección Agrícola was held in Rancagua. The initiative is technically led by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and brings together public authorities, producer groups, exporters, companies and research institutions.

Participants included the regional government, Frutas de Chile, Frusexta, the Federation of Farmers of Cachapoal, Dole, Garcés Fruit, CEAF, INIA and the University of O’Higgins.

Why the issue matters

The region’s agriculture remains closely linked to export performance. In 2025, the sector contributed to 4.2% growth in regional GDP, while shipments reached US$4.952 billion. Cherries were one of the main products, with more than 140,000 tonnes sent to international markets, 91% of them to China.

The meeting also reviewed recent Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks in Chimbarongo and Pelequén/Malloa. According to SAG, control and eradication actions required close to US$4 million in public investment.

For producers and exporters, the concern is not only pest control itself. A regulated area can also bring delays, extra procedures and higher logistics costs, especially for fresh fruit with strict delivery windows.

Next steps

The table agreed on initial operational commitments. These include setting timelines for technology transfer from research centres to the productive sector and creating standard protocols for sharing infrastructure and data during future plant health emergencies.

The work is expected to focus on prevention, faster coordination and clearer procedures between public services, technical institutions and the agricultural sector.

source: sag.gob.cl

photo: afipa.cl