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The Alfalfa Productive Center El Carmelo, driven by SQM in the heart of La Tirana in Tarapacá, was one of the sites visited by Sugal Group—one of the world’s largest tomato concentrate producers, with operations in Portugal, Spain, and Chile. Their interest in learning about our operations and agricultural projects in the desert underscores the global relevance of the work we are carrying out as a company.
Pablo Altimiras, CEO of SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, highlighted:
“Today we are hosting a very special visit: our friends from Sugal Group, a global leader in tomato concentrate production with an international presence, who came to see firsthand the agricultural work we are developing in the middle of the desert, with the objective of exchanging knowledge.”
During the visit, executives remarked on how surprising it is to find this green oasis in the middle of the Atacama Desert, emphasizing our team’s efforts and the sustainability vision that guides each of our operations.
João Ortigão Costa, CEO of Sugal Group, noted:
“I am truly speechless. The work SQM is doing is impressive, with a sustainability vision of global scope. Today we are visiting the agricultural area in the middle of the desert—something I honestly didn’t think was possible. I am amazed by the quality of the project and the enormous potential it holds for the future.”
The tour also included the Blueberry Pilot Project in the Desert (Colonia Agrícola de Pintados) and the Agricultural Research and Development Center in Pozo Almonte. The delegation particularly valued how our agricultural practices integrate with their own business—combining agriculture and industry—and how the experience gained here can help guide the future of agricultural production in challenging environments.
Martín Magnoli, Agricultural General Manager of Sugal Group, stated:
“This project aligns very well with our business. Visiting these operations allows us to understand where the industry is heading and to learn from a worldclass partner like SQM, especially in such a complex area.”
The visit also included a tour of the seawater operations of our Tente en el Aire (TEA) project and mining processes in Nueva Victoria, where the delegation learned firsthand about the origin of the fertilizers later used in agricultural initiatives. This experience made it possible to understand the entire production cycle that supports global agriculture.
For our organization, this was an enriching encounter that made it possible to share perspectives on productivity, sustainability, and the responsible use of water in the Pampa del Tamarugal. It also reinforced the value of this unique nationallevel project, which today serves as a reference for the development of agricultural initiatives in challenging regions.
Finally, Richards Challapa, President of the Aymara Indigenous Farmers Association Pampa del Tamarugal, added:
“For us, it is very valuable to receive this visit and share perspectives on productivity and proper water use in the Pampa del Tamarugal. It is essential that they learn about our experience in alfalfa production. We appreciate this space and invite them to continue learning about this unique project, which we hope can be replicated in other parts of the country.”
We deeply appreciate Sugal Group’s visit and open the door to future collaborations that will allow us to continue innovating and positioning our region as a benchmark for sustainable desert agriculture. We invite everyone to learn more about this project, which demonstrates that with technology, commitment, and vision, it is possible to transform even the most extreme territories into fertile and productive landscapes.
