Around 2,000 people gathered at the event held by Hortifrut on June 18 and 19, whose main focus was the future of the agriculture industry. The third edition of the conference was attended by Chile’s Minister of Agriculture Antonio Walker, Minister of the Environment Carolina Schmidt and Minister of Science Andrés Couve, as well as members of the public sector, and the agricultural, scientific and academic communities. In more than 60 specialized talks, Chilean and international experts discussed the effects of climate change, robotics, artificial intelligence and digitalization.

The Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Walker, discussed the government’s goal of making Chile a carbon neutral country by 2050. “We need to have a sustainable agriculture sector which respects the environment and individuals. We leave a water, carbon and social footprint, so we need to ensure that agriculture is sustainable,” he said.

“In order for the agriculture sector to show that it is a modern industry, with sustainable production and high-quality products, scientific knowledge must be used for the country’s wellbeing, with a vision that incorporates sustainable development,” said Andrés Couve, Minister of Science.

In his participation in the panel on the technological and commercial challenges for the agriculture industry, Rafael Guilisasti, Vice Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro and Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro’s Center for Research and Innovation, referred to the strategic programs that the Center for Research and Innovation in implementing. Comprehensive irrigation management through the use of micrometeorological and satellite technologies, comprehensive strengthening of the plant material production system, and the various digital platforms to improve quality management were among the initiatives highlighted.

“The creation of our Center for Research and Innovation aimed to transform the company and the industry, and review all of the grape growing and winemaking practices and activities that we carry out on site,” highlighted Guilisasti.