The construction of a new phytosanitary inspection center, promoted by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), the Ministry of Agriculture, and Frutas de Chile, marks a significant advance for the export sector. The initiative, supported by the regional government of Coquimbo, seeks to meet the growing demands of the US market, allowing the sector to export more fruits without fumigation with methyl bromide, which improves their competitiveness and quality.
Inspection at origin has been key to strengthening trade with the United States, particularly in products such as citrus, avocados, pomegranates, and blueberries. In 2024, after two decades of negotiations, table grapes were incorporated into this mechanism, a milestone for the industry.
"Having this new inspection site is key given the expected growth of fruit exports from the region, as well as to verify compliance with protocols such as the Systems Approach for shipments of our fresh grapes to the United States," stated Miguel Canala-Echeverria, general manager of Frutas de Chile. Its implementation will boost employment and regional development, he stressed.
SAG faces the challenge of increasing its inspection capacity to face the increase in export volumes. "We currently inspect around five million boxes of fruit, but this figure is growing by the year, both due to the dynamism of the sector and the incorporation of new species that require inspection at origin," stated Jorge Fernández, SAG's regional director.
The Minister of Agriculture, Christian Álvarez, highlighted the economic benefits of the project. "It will boost the whole region, as it involves a complete logistical chain: more fruit will leave through the port of Coquimbo, which will require more transport, labor, and shipping services. It also opens an opportunity for small producers who want to venture into organic grape exports," he stated.
According to estimates, the site will be able to inspect up to 11 million boxes of grapes destined for the United States, in addition to other fruit species. Cristian Sotomayor, representative of Frutas de Chile, welcomed the Satisfactory Resolution issued by the Ministry of Social Development, which allows the regional governmental evaluation to move forward. "This infrastructure will increase our capacity to meet the requirements of the US market and ensure a better quality and condition of the fruit," he said.
Currently, the Pan de Azúcar inspection site is operating at full capacity. To address this situation, the new project contemplates an infrastructure of approximately 5,000 square meters, located at the junction of route D-43 with the road to Andacollo, a strategic point due to its proximity to the port of Coquimbo and its connection with the main producing valleys of the region.
Source: frutasdechile.cl