After 24 years of work and negotiation between Chile and the U.S., the launch of the Systems Approach for Chilean table grapes has been confirmed. It replaces methyl bromide fumigation with a series of mitigation measures at the origin, improving the quality and condition of the fruit in the destination market and allowing it to become more competitive in the face of growing competition from other southern hemisphere countries that ship grapes to the U.S. market.
Industry stakeholders held a ceremony in Copiapó on June 28 to celebrate its approval. Speakers at the event included Chile's Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, United States Ambassador to Chile, Bernadette Meehan, Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, and President of Frutas de Chile, Ivan Marambio, among others.
Chile's Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, emphasized that the Systems Approach will benefit grapes from the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo, and part of Valparaíso, all large producers and exporters of table grapes destined for the U.S. "This is very important. After cherries, table grapes are the country's main fruit export, valuing US$1 billion, and almost half of Chile's production goes to the U.S.," said the Secretary of State during the ceremony.
The United States ambassador to Chile, Bernadette Meehan, said "The United States is the main market for Chilean grapes and this protocol benefits not only the workers but also the economy and the people of the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions."
Bernadette Meehan
For her part, the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza added "This is an opportunity for producers in the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions to boost their competitiveness in the U.S. market. They can increase the quality of their products and improve their entry conditions and value to compete in markets that increasingly demand greater sustainability and adaptation to climate change."
The president of Frutas de Chile, Iván Marambio, described the approval of the Systems Approach as the most important historical event for table grapes. "Chile is a grape-growing country. The consumers in our largest market, the United States, will be able to enjoy a higher quality grape. With the Systems Approach, Chile has the possibility of exporting 60% of our grapes without fumigation. This is extraordinary, and it will allow us to be more competitive in the global market."
Iván Marambio
Finally, Minister Esteban Valenzuela remarked, "We have the task of continuing to work with the industry and with the United States and also other markets, so that the Metropolitan region, O'Higgins and Maule, which have significant grape acreage, can also be part of this very good news."
In 2023, Chilean grape exports totaled US$905 million, reaching 72 destinations in the world. Shipments to the United States alone totaled US$431 million, representing nearly 50% of Chilean fresh grape shipments, and making it Chile's largest market for grapes.
Contact:
Karen Brux
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
Tel: (650) 218-5061
[email protected]
www.frutasdechile.cl