Amagro President and Vice President Patricia Benavente and Maritrini Lapuente, respectively, came to the Sun Monticello Events Center to participate in Cherry Tech, an event on cherry production that brought together more than a thousand people.
“I found it to be a highly attended and technically-savvy event, with companies exhibiting the latest advances in technology and machinery for the cherry industry. There were many technicians, professionals and advisors working with producers. I do notice that female participation is low and I would like to see more women actively participating in the technical and productive levels of this industry,” said Patricia Benavente.
The event brought together the entire cherry production chain, who participated in three masterclasses led by renowned consultants Carlos Tapia, Jordi Casas and Walter Masman; in turn, they took part in three interesting forums on nutrition, post-harvest and new varieties. Maritrini Lapuente, who is also executive director at Viveros de Chile AG, highlighted this last forum entitled: “Classic varieties and new varieties: Are we prepared for the change?”
“It is interesting how genetics can contribute to adding value to this cherry business in the great challenge we have, in essence, of finding the right varieties that can give the best yields, the best results for the producer, that are the varieties sought after by the markets, by consumers, that have, of course, a good post-harvest and all the values and parameters that influence the success of these crops,” said Amagro Vice President Maritrini Lapuente.
During Cherry Tech, Amagro representatives held an interesting meeting with the Argentine delegation that participated in the event, including Valentina Navarro, director of agriculture for the province of Mendoza.
“I see very good quality in the exhibitions and several stands where companies offer their products and services, so we have come to complement our knowledge and make the most of this day,” the director noted.
In addition to referring to the event, the director of the trans-Andean entity highlighted the existence and role of the first Women's Trade Association of the Agricultural Industry, Amagro AG, leaving the doors open for possible agreements and joint work, in pursuit of the union's objectives.
“As Amagro we want to encourage the participation of women in the industry, both in cherries and in other species. We have many challenges at this moment, to make all women visible, to place them in the place where they belong. There are many very well-prepared women who are working in Chile and around the world in the agricultural sector, but the truth is that sometimes they are not so noticeable. We want to give them a platform where they can show themselves, be seen and demonstrate their value; we believe that teams that complement each other between men and women work better.” concluded the president of Amagro, Patricia Benavente.
