In recent decades, Chile’s forestry sector has significantly grown to become one of the country’s key natural resource-based industries, producing high export volumes and contributing to the national value-added.
It is important to recognize how, in the recovery period following recent economic crises, this sector has made a significant impact on the country’s progress.
We had the opportunity to speak about forestry in Chile with two experts: José Luis Delgado de la Borda, Territory Manager for LATAM South at Jiffy Group, and Gonzalo Yañez, General Manager at Agrícola Terra, a Jiffy distributor in Chile.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into their perspectives on the current state of forestry in Chile and the role that technology can play in its development.
Where is forestry located in Chile?
Chile's diverse landscape is home to a rich tapestry of natural resources, with forestry being one of its key sectors. To understand the heart of this industry, we turned to an expert for insights on where the core of Chile's forestry lies.
We began by asking about the regions of Chile where forestry is located. Delgado highlighted the Maule (VII), Biobío (VIII), and Araucanía (IX) regions in central-southern Chile, emphasizing these regions’ importance for both the forestry sector and the country’s economy.
What is produced in forestry?
Forests play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting various industries by providing essential raw materials. Recognizing its value, Chile has harnessed its dense forests to cater to a plethora of demands. So, what exactly does the forestry in Chile yield?
In forestry, timber resources are extracted from forested areas to obtain raw materials such as cork or wood, which are used to manufacture other products.
Yañez said the main materials obtained in Chile’s forestry are:
- Pulp, a key input used in the paper industry
- Wood byproducts, such as sawn wood sheets, panels, and furniture
Having understood the range of products stemming from Chile's vast forests, it's essential to also grasp the broader picture. How has this bountiful production shaped the industry's landscape and, by extension, Chile's economy?
We asked if the specialists could tell us more about forestry in Chile and its significance to the country’s economy. Yañez said that “the forestry industry represents approximately 1.90% of Chile's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
"In terms of exports, forestry products account for about 7% of Chile's total exports, making it the second most significant group in terms of generating income for the country,” Yañez said. “Chile has an estimated 16 to 17 million hectares of forests in total. Of this total, 85% are native forests, and 15% are forest plantations.”
Yañez shared that forest plantations are geographically distributed as follows:
- 39% in Biobío
- 21% in Araucanía
- 17% in Maule
“Forestry is highly relevant for the regions where it is developed due to its economic impact and job generation,” Yañez said.
How can we help growers Balance Productivity and Environmental Stewardship?
In today's agricultural landscape, the challenge isn't just about producing more but producing right. Growers worldwide face the dual task of enhancing productivity while preserving the environment. Yañez sheds light on how technology, when used strategically, can serve as a bridge between these two seemingly opposing objectives. Dive into our exploration of how tools and techniques, such as Jiffy Growbags, can revolutionize the way we think about agriculture and sustainability.
"Using technology allows us to increase the productivity of processes, and if the economic benefits outweigh the costs, we then have an opportunity to develop such technology.” Says Yañez.
"It is essential, therefore, to identify the stages in your customers' production process where this premise holds true. For example, in Eucalyptus species, propagation occurs through the cloning of mother plants.”
"In the cultivation of mother plants, it has been proven that Jiffy Growbags significantly improve rooting, growth, and quality, offering an increase in productivity and generating benefits compared to other production practices."
Furthermore, he said additional solutions are being evaluated in other forestry production stages to determine whether they allow for the production of plants with greater root development and vigor, and result in greater an increase in benefits.
How can Jiffy products help with that?
Jiffy is known for providing sustainable plant cultivation solutions to farmers throughout South America. We wanted to know how our solutions can specifically help promote forestry in Chile. When we put this question to Delgado, he replied:
"Forestry is a productive activity, so Jiffy products help promote it as they increase productivity, reduce production costs, and/or generate more income.
"For example, Jiffy Growbags for the cultivation of Eucalyptus mother plants, reduce water consumption by approximately one-third, save up to 50% on fertilization, and increase the number of plants per square meter by up to 50% compared to other alternative methods.
"Additionally, other benefits are achieved, such as energy savings and reduced labor. Also, Jiffy products serve as a substitute for soil to aid in seed germination and/or vegetative material rooting.”
Forestry: A pillar for economic growth in Chile
Overall, forestry has positioned itself as a sector of great economic and environmental importance to Chile.
Through our interview with José Luis Delgado de la Borda and Gonzalo Yañez, we learned about the geographical distribution of this industry, with Biobío, Araucanía, and Maule standing out as key regions.
Furthermore, we have learned how technology and innovative products, such as those offered by Jiffy, can drive the growth and productivity of forestry crops.
Forestry is not only an economic driver in Chile, but it is also a pillar in the conservation of natural resources and sustainability. As we move towards the future, it is crucial to continue promoting the responsible development of this industry, ensuring the preservation of our valuable forests and striking a balance between economic progress and environmental protection.
Would you like to learn more about Jiffy's solutions for forestry? We invite you to get in touch so we can assist you!
