"Mature and facing new productive and commercial challenges. This could define the Chilean blueberry industry, which continues to be among the leading producing and exporting countries in the world.

The importance of this crop remains significant for the fruit industry, even though it has given up its position as the world’s leading exporter. This is why Redagrícola, in collaboration with international advisor Sebastián Ochoa, has partnered to launch the International Blueberries Course - Chile 2025 , which will take place on May 14, 15, and 16, 2025, and will include two days of in-person classes and one field day.

The Chilean industry is mature but in a stage of renewal, especially of varieties, to remain competitive. “Moreover, there are other productive and commercial challenges that Chilean producers must face,” says Ochoa. "Although there has been a learning process, there is still much room for improvement," adds the expert, who has worked with this crop for over two decades becoming the most respected advisor in the global blueberry sector, currently providing advice in 17 countries across five continents.

His successful professional career began in the late nineties at Berries Patagonia, which at the time was the largest producer of blueberries in the Southern Hemisphere, holding various positions until becoming the company's manager. Between 2013 and 2016, he worked at Sun Belle, managing the company's orchards. Since 2016, he has worked as an independent advisor, providing intense advisory services in 17 countries across five continents.

"In this course, we will address and analyze common and transversal topics in the development of the blueberry industry," explains Ochoa about the course, which will provide attendees with the key tools to understand and learn about the crop, and gain advanced management concepts for blueberry production.

The first two days will be in-person classes at the Marina del Sol Hotel in Chillán, while May 16 will feature a field day in Prize, also in Chillán, "where at different stations we will be able to learn about the various management practices and technologies, key to ensuring a successful crop," Ochoa explains.