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Exhibitions and lectures spanning the event’s three days, an Agricultural Market for Iquique families and a technical tour for Chilean professionals of the province of Tamarugal, were part of the complete agenda of the 72nd Chilean Agronomic Conference, organized by Universidad Arturo Prat (UNAP) and the Chilean Society of Agronomists and sponsored by SQM and the representatives of the Agriculture Ministry for the Tarapacá Region.

Among the relevant topics discussed were the innovation of iodine as a new agricultural nutrient and various perspectives on farming in terms of sustainability, food security and production.

“At SQM we are happy to have been part of this Agronomic Conference and to have led the Agricultural Market with people from our region, since we maintain a close relationship with farmers throughout the year, mainly from the Tamarugal Province, with whom we work to strengthen and publicize agriculture in the desert, promoting an ecosystem that works towards the sustainability of Tarapacá,” said Carolina Guzmán, Head of Community Relations at SQM.

Agricultural Market

The rich melons from Bajo Soga, the beautiful alpaca wool blankets from Colchane or the exquisite honey produced in La Huayca, were part of the products that the region’s farmers, growers and entrepreneurs offered to the families of Iquique at the Agricultural Market 2023.

Jeannette Choque, an oregano farmer, highlighted the activity, adding that “this is the first time I have participated in this type of market and it is great to be able to offer our products. Although I offer my oregano through the Mercado Campesino (INDAP), it is important to participate in this initiative by selling my products, whether in leaves, ground or in tea. This is great support for all of us, it helps us to move forward,” she said.

The event featured several activities for the attendees and school groups, including workshops on worm farming, composting and healthy snacking, as well as exhibitions on a variety of topics, discussions with Tamarugal farmers and entrepreneurs and live cooking demonstrations.

Technical Tour

The 72nd version of the conference included not only the Agricultural Market, but also a technical tour of various agricultural projects led by SQM and UNAP in the Tamarugal Province.

Professionals participating in the conference could register for this tour, which included a visit to the Alfalfa Production Center and the Center for Agricultural and Livestock Research and Development located in La Tirana, as well as a tour of the Canchones Experimental Center run by UNAP.

Atilio Narvaez, SQM’s Deputy Manager of Social Programs, highlighted the participants’ interest, adding that “the work we carry out together with local communities has allowed us to innovate in new technologies that optimize desert farming. It is important for professionals from all over the country to know what we are doing in these territories.”

Reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and further developing desert agriculture, SQM continues to make contributions to various Tarapacá and Antofagasta communities, through working groups and initiatives that are part of its agricultural and livestock support program Atacama Tierra Fértil. On December 6 in La Tirana, the company, with the support of the Municipality of Pozo Almonte and the Agriculture Ministry, will hold the 2nd Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meeting, which will include important exhibitions and parallel activities.