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: 426

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

Central Ontario FS Expands Grain Network with Acquisition of Haley's Elevator in Burford

ag news,farm news,Central Ontario FS,Haley's Elevator,Burford,Ontario

Preparing for Farming Uncertainty

Farm Management Canada has introduced a national strategy to improve risk management education and communication, helping producers build long-term resilience and adopt proactive planning.

Canola industry encouraged by outcomes from Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

Canada’s canola industry welcomes the outcomes of last month’s Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference, particularly the Ministers’ commitment to strengthening Canada’s energy security and expanding domestic biofuel production.

Creating jobs, reducing waste on Sunshine Coast

A $1.5-million investment in Sechelt will create new jobs, convert organic waste into valuable products, and provide more high-quality soil for Sunshine Coast businesses by helping Salish Soils grow its manufacturing operations. “When local businesses grow, communities benefit through good jobs, new opportunities and a stronger local economy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Supporting Salish Soils’ expansion aligns with our Look West goals. We're helping create jobs on the Sunshine Coast, while backing an Indigenous-owned company that is finding innovative ways to create new economic opportunities for this province.” As part of B.C.’s Look West strategy, the Province is providing as much as $300,000 through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund toward a $1.5-million capital investment that will help Salish Soils expand its business and transform more organic waste into high-quality compost, soil, mulch and aggregate. These products can serve a range of customers on

Protecting Chinook salmon in Salmon River with temporary order

As severe drought conditions continue to affect river levels in the Thompson Okanagan region, a fish population protection order will help protect endangered Chinook salmon in Salmon River by temporarily restricting water use for forage crops and identified industrial purposes. Government, local communities, farmers and partners have been working together to support water conservation and voluntary irrigation schedules. Despite significant efforts, Salmon River has had persistent low streamflow that are threatening the survival of spawning chinook populations. During the past week, flows have been well below the minimum flow threshold required to support fish population survival and continue to pose a significant risk to fish survival. Effective Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 456 surface-water and groundwater licences and transitioning groundwater users in the Salmon River watershed are affected by the order to stop using water for irrigation of forage crops as well as lawns, fairways and

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service