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: 430

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

Monsanto Wins Roundup Trial After Supreme Court Ruling

A Missouri jury has unanimously sided with Monsanto in the first Roundup trial since the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Durnell decision

What is Struvite? Could it Help Farmers Stretch Phosphorus and Reduce Runoff

AAFC researchers found that blending struvite with conventional phosphorus fertilizer delivered promising results in Eastern Canada and reduced phosphorus losses under Prairie conditions.

Food Affordability and Accessibility Among the Top Priorities of Canadian Consumers

The Executive Director of Canadian Food Focus says in the face of rising food costs, Canadians are increasingly seeking information on how to stretch their food budgets. Over the past five years the cost of food in Canada has risen by an estimated 30 percent. Dorothy Long, the Executive Director of Canadian Food Focus, says we all eat several times a day and food affordability is one of the most immediate concerns facing Canadians right now. Quote-Dorothy Long-CanadianFoodFocus.org: High food prices and higher prices in general are really putting a lot of pressure on household budgets. Specifically with food, it can be harder to consistently choose foods that they want to serve, especially fresh produce, protein foods and other nutrient-dense foods that may seem more expensive at the checkout. The impact isn't the same for everyone but many households are making tougher decisions, buying fewer items, changing brands, reducing the variety or maybe even relying more heavily on less

Toronto-Area Corporation Convicted of Operating a Meat Plant Without a Licence

On January 22, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) learned that 1000498884 Ontario Inc., operating as Taotie Dry Aging, was producing and selling a ready-to-eat dehydrated meat product marketed as “dry-aged meat chips.” An OMAFA Compliance and Advisory Officer inspected the premises and confirmed the presence of 13.37 kilograms of dehydrated meat products packaged in 308 units. On the day of inspection, the company voluntarily removed the product listing from its website and disposed of the product. Under provincial regulations, dehydrating meat products for sale or distribution is a regulated activity requiring a meat plant licence, unless an exemption applies. The matter was referred to OMAFA’s Compliance Enforcement and Intelligence Unit for investigation and charges were laid.

Recycling Council of Alberta recognizes Barry Friesen with Circular Champion Recognition Award

The Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) today announced it is honouring recently retired Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen with its prestigious Rs of Excellence Circular Champion Recognition Award. This award reflects Friesen’s career-long commitment to building a more sustainable, circular future in Canadian agriculture. Friesen and other award recipients will be recognized at the RCA Annual General Meeting, held online from 10:30 a.m. to noon on November 6, 2026. Says Friesen: “I’m very proud to be part of this transformative industry, and to receive this honour from the RCA: one of the great champions of circular economy in Canada, playing a pivotal role in job creation while helping to keep our environment clean.” “It’s fitting this announcement coincides with Waste Reduction Week,” says Cleanfarms Executive Director Shane Hedderson. “During Barry’s tenure, Alberta’s small container program—the first in Canada—grew significantly along with other programs across the prov

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service