Chilean organic blueberry growers see systems approach as boon

Organic fruit shipped from Chile to North America falls primarily into the blueberry category, and there seem to be ample supplies available this season, said Karen Brux, managing director of the San Carlos, Calif.-based Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.

A “systems approach” regulation, recently published in the Federal Register in early October, should facilitate organic blueberry shipments from Chile into the U.S., Brux said.

“This is great news for producers in the Ñuble and Biobio regions, who will now be able to export to the U.S. through monitoring and inspection, with no fumigation required,” Brux said. 

Based on the producers who have already registered for the systems approach this season, a total blueberry volume of 9,500 tons is estimated at Ñuble and another 7,100 tons at Biobio, Brux said. The 16,600-ton total represents 15% of Chile’s estimated blueberry production for this season, Brux said.

“Most of this volume is estimated to be organic,” she said. “This is great news for the U.S. market, where demand for organic blueberries continues to increase.”

It’s also good news for an increasing number of organic produce consumers, said Eric Coty, vice president of South American operations for Vancouver, British Columbia-based The Oppenheimer Group.

“Demand for organic fresh produce has been steadily increasing in recent years and appears to have picked up momentum during COVID,” Coty said. 

“Conversion to organic farming is not easy, but those who have taken the lead are already seeing the advantages on many levels. We are confident that demand for organic produce will continue to increase, particularly as operational efficiencies are achieved and product costs better align with conventionally-grown produce.”

A few of Chile’s southern growing areas recently were approved for a systems approach model, allowing “some excellent organic Chilean blueberries to enter the U.S. in January and February,” Coty said.

“We are also making important strides toward organic grapes in northern Chile, and are increasingly hopeful for the near future, pending approval of the systems approach protocols,” he said.

Oppy will supply organic cherries again this season, Coty said.

Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole Food Co. also notes that demand for organic berries continues to increase.

“Like most categories, organic berries have seen growth,” said Bil Goldfield, Dole’s communications manager.

Dole will have organic blueberries during the upcoming Chilean season, beginning in mid-December, Goldfield said.

“We’ve worked hard to increase our organic volumes in Chile by developing farms in different areas of the country more suitable for organic production,” he said.

More on Chilean Produce:
Marketers expect good season for Chilean blueberries
Blueberries reach hero status at retail
Marketers expect good season for Chilean blueberries