Chile's Agricultural Diversification

Chile's agricultural sector has dramatically expanded and diversified both production and exports in the past 30 years. Previously reliant on annual crops and wool, it is now a strong competitor in international fruit markets, apples and table grapes especially. Its success stems from a shift in consumption toward fruits and vegetables, natural resources suitable for fruit production, and government policies that encouraged farmers to switch to fruit. The industry is now moving toward production and export of pears, peaches and other stone fruit, as well as berries and melons, in addition to apples and table grapes. In diversifying with non-traditional crops, Chilean producers reduce risk.