The initiative, led by the industry association Frutas de Chile, identifies key structural challenges and opportunities across markets, labour, phytosanitary systems and infrastructure.
Strategic priorities to drive growth
The “Pro-Growth Fruit Agenda” sets out six core measures designed to reactivate investment and employment in Chile’s fruit sector. These include reinforcing the export model, strengthening phytosanitary systems, recovering competitiveness in the US market, advancing trade and phytosanitary access in strategic destinations, ensuring the availability of seasonal labour, and investing in water, logistics and port infrastructure.
According to the association, these enabling conditions are essential to sustain growth following a record-breaking season in which Chile exported more than 3 million tonnes of fresh fruit, generating US$8.63 billion in revenue. This performance consolidates Chile’s position as the leading fresh fruit supplier in the Southern Hemisphere and the country’s main non-copper export sector.
Market diversification and trade priorities
Frutas de Chile highlighted the need to deepen access to high-potential markets, particularly in India, South Korea and Africa. The sector is calling for the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India and the resumption of negotiations with South Korea to regain competitive advantages over other producing countries.
In parallel, the industry is exploring new trade agreements with African nations that offer strong commercial prospects, building on ongoing phytosanitary efforts such as the opening of the Moroccan market.
The association also stressed the urgency of reactivating trade negotiations with the United States at the highest political level. The goal is to restore a 0% tariff for Chilean fruit, which currently faces a 10% duty. Additionally, it is advocating for the reinstatement of the Systems Approach protocol for table grape exports from northern and central Chile, eliminating mandatory fumigation requirements that currently hinder competitiveness.
To support these efforts, Frutas de Chile underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s international presence through a more strategic deployment of its diplomatic network and trade and agricultural attachés.
Labour and infrastructure challenges
Labour availability remains a critical issue for the sector. The industry is proposing adjustments to legislation to facilitate the formal and efficient entry of foreign seasonal workers, particularly from Bolivia, who are essential for harvesting and packing operations. While the Mercosur visa mechanism has enabled the issuance of around 120,000 visas, the association is calling for faster administrative processing by the National Migration Service.
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Water scarcity is another major concern. The agenda prioritises investment in water infrastructure to secure both human consumption and agricultural supply. Proposed measures include the development of multi-purpose desalination plants powered by renewable energy, the evaluation of large-scale water transfer projects, and technical improvements to existing reservoirs to reduce leakage and enhance operational efficiency.
Strengthening phytosanitary systems
The agenda places particular emphasis on modernising Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), recognising its central role in protecting the country’s phytosanitary status. Proposed actions include upgrading inspection systems, enhancing phytosanitary protection and accelerating market access negotiations through more proactive international engagement.
Meeting with the Minister of Agriculture
As part of this initiative, Frutas de Chile met with the Minister of Agriculture, Jaime Campos, to present the Pro-Growth Fruit Agenda. The meeting was described as constructive, with the proposals receiving a positive response from the authorities.
Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive the industry forward. He was joined by the association’s general manager, Miguel Canala-Echeverría, and secretary general Rodrigo Gallardo.
The delegation was received by Minister Campos alongside members of his advisory team, including legislative advisor Felipe Pereira, head of advisors Dionisio Faulbaun, and representatives from the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (ODEPA), reinforcing the institutional backing for the sector’s strategic priorities.
