The CFI Agrotech 2023 event, which took place on October 24, 25 and 26 and was held in Chile for the first time, concluded successfully. The fair brought together various exhibitors from different parts of the world to discuss the latest trends and developments in the agricultural world, and to analyze the challenges and technologies that will be seen in the coming years.
Today, Chile is recognized as one of the countries with the greatest agricultural tradition, with major trading partners such as China. In the cherry industry, for example, the country is the world's leading exporter, which is why it has become the perfect opportunity to connect suppliers of technology-based solutions and innovation for sustainability in Agrifoods, with professionals from the main production companies at a national level.
The technology of the future
One of the topics discussed that generated great interest among the public was related to the arrival and application of new technologies, capable of managing tasks such as the selection of cherries by harvest, for example, as explained in her presentation by Patricia Maraboli, agricultural engineer and specialist in cherry processes at Dole Food Company.
On the other hand, agricultural robotics was also analysed, this time by Erik Pekkeriet, Programme Manager of Agro Food Robotics at Wageningen University & Research, adding that robots will be the future due to their ability to collect data, prevent hazards and optimise short and repetitive tasks.
Both explained that far from being afraid of using technology, people and producers should understand it as an aid to improve productivity and therefore, results. Thus, the event was an opportunity to exchange knowledge, meet peers and hear first-hand from food industry experts.
ENAGRO 2023
Official visits
On the other hand, during the second day of the event, the XIX version of the National Meeting of Agriculture (ENAGRO) was held, where several authorities came, including the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, and the Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela. During his speech, the highest authority of the country expressed his support for the sector and emphasized the joint responsibility of both the public and private sectors, and of the general public, to maintain and care for the environment, giving as an example the great problems of water and forest fires (most of them intentional) that year after year affect various areas of the national territory, concluding that the last time has been sweet and sour for the sector and calling for collaboration.
