Chile has been part of FONTAGRO since its foundation in 1998 with a contribution of US$ 2.5 million. During the 22 years of membership, Chile has led 14 consortiums for a total of US$ 13.0 million and participated in 42 consortiums with US$ 35.9 million, of which US$ 11.4 million were contributed by FONTAGRO and other agencies.
The projects have included research and technological development of wheat, potatoes, fruit trees, aquaculture, fodder, livestock, sustainable use of natural resources, among others.
Some important results:
- A book about the management of pests in avocados and citrus was published, summarizing the main results and documenting good practices for compliance with international regulations.
- Immunostimulants innocuous and safe for tilapias and cachamas were developed, which proved technically and economically feasible. This project established a network of professionals from research institutions and private companies in Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico, which promoted the transfer of technology and knowledge among the members.
- Highly productive and rust resistant wheat varieties were obtained, which are being used with minimum tillage.
- High productivity potato varieties were released for industrial use.
- Two books based on strategic studies were published using pioneering analytical tools to prepare scenarios for the technological development of hemispheric agriculture and relationships between rural poverty and environmental deterioration.
- In 2013, during the VIII Technical Follow-up Workshop of FONTAGRO Projects, the INIA of Chile was awarded the project “Evaluation of Changes in Water Productivity Facing Different Climate Scenarios in Different Regions of the Southern Cone”, led by Dr. A. Osorio.
- In 2014 the project “Climate change and competitiveness of potatoes and wheat in South America”, led by Dr. M.T. Pino won the prize for scientific excellence during the IX Technical Project Follow-up Workshop of FONTAGRO.
STRENGTHENING
- The platforms increased the efficiency and effectiveness of research and innovation, strengthening the capacities of researchers.
- Technical, organizational and institutional strengthening at national and international level.
- Participation in alliances with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the International Potato Center (CIP), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat ( CIMMYT), INTA of Argentina, INIA of Uruguay, EMBRAPA of Brazil, the
government of New Zealand, among others. Access was gained to multiple international cooperation networks such as the Latin Potato Network where institutions from more than 11 countries participate globally, the
Global Alliance on Agriculture and Climate Change where 41 countries participate, and the CGIAR. - The FONTAGRO projects generate privileged and free access to technologies, contacts, publications, case studies and international networks.