Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Day 4: A Chilean Education

We started off day four of our International Study Tour learning about the Chilean economy at Scotiabank.  Chile has the fifth largest economy in Latin America and has seen significant growth in their economy over the last 30 years.  The Canadian Dollar and the Chilean Peso react to the world economy in a similar fashion; when one appreciates the other tends to appreciate as well.  While the economy is strong, only 3.3 million Chileans use the banking system - and the country has a population of over 17 million.

The group then visited the Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (National Society of Agriculture), which was established in 1838.  The Sociedad attributes four factors to the success of Chilean agriculture: the abundance of free trade agreements (over 58 and counting), the country's Mediterranean climate, the fact that the country is free of pests and disease and that the growing season is the opposite of North America.  Chilean agriculture faces similar challenges to those in Canada - attracting young people to the industry, access to infrastructure (transportation and irrigation), training for farmers, and simplifying reporting and regulations for the industry.

 

After a traditional Chilean lunch of chacarero (beef, green beans and tomato sandwich), we had the opportunity to visit Hogar de Cristo, a centre for adults in Santiago.  With the help of donations, this group home provides accommodations, support and services to 100 adults.  The staff and volunteers provide exceptional care and compassion for the welfare of those who face the challenges of substance abuse, alcohol dependency and domestic violence.  A smile, a handshake and even sharing some ice cream brought a lot of joy to the residents.

 

We wrapped up the day with a visit to the Los Domnicos market place, a hub for local Chilean artisans. From jewellery to clothing to crafts, this marketplace had a little something for everyone.  Be sure to watch for an authentic Chilean piece at the AALP Dream Auction in February 2016.

-Class 15

Views: 408

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

McDonald’s Canada and Cargill Further Champion Youth Leadership in Beef Sustainability through partnership with the CRSB

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is proud to announce support from McDonald’s Canada and Cargill for its CRSB Council Youth Position, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and amplifying the voices of young leaders in the Canadian beef industry. The position, an Ex-Officio (non-voting) role established in 2025, was added to the CRSB Council to ensure youth perspectives are represented and embedded in our approaches to beef sustainability now and in the future. This financial support for the position provided by McDonald’s Canada and Cargill will enable full participation in CRSB Council, member and other events for the next three years. The objectives of this CRSB Council youth position are to provide a platform for youth to actively participate in and contribute youth perspectives to the CRSB; to learn from, engage and collaborate with the multi-stakeholder representatives on the CRSB Council, and to provide youth governance experience and mentorship oppor

Purchasing the right bull can quickly move your beef herd toward your production goals. However, buying the right bull doesn’t start on sale day; it begins months in advance.

Purchasing the right bull can quickly move your beef herd toward your production goals. However, buying the right bull doesn’t start on sale day; it begins months in advance. #1: Establish Short- and Long-Term Breeding Goals Before looking at bulls, identify what you want your herd to achieve in the short and long-term. Your breeding program should align with your operation’s resources, management style and future plans. For example, knowing the traits that you want your calves to have (e.g. lighter birth weight, better growth, carcass quality, maternal traits), will better prepare you to match those goals with the genetic potential offered by available bulls. #2: Determine the Traits to Focus On Based on your goals, determine which traits to select for. As an example, if you are breeding first calf heifers, selecting bulls with higher calving ease is essential. In contrast, if you are not retaining replacement females and sell all calves after backgrounding, consider focusing on

Former ag minister Ritz remembers working with Prime Minister Harper

The former prime minister had his official portrait unveiling last week

Bonnefield joins Canadian Agriculture Investment Coalition

Bonnefield joined an investment coalition aiming to invest up to five billion dollars in Canadian agriculture and food innovation by 2030 to support growth and long-term success.

FCC Rallies Investor Coalition to Deploy Up to $5 Billion in Ag Innovation

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has convened a coalition of more than 20 investment organizations collectively prepared to deploy up to $5 billion into Canadian agriculture and food innovation by 2030, marking what it describes as a generational investment opportunity for the sector. 

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service