Event description:
In Chile, organic and agroecological farming systems have been established for decades as alternatives to industrial agriculture. However, both systems face significant challenges, such as weak research and innovation systems, a lack of specialised personnel, poor coordination between stakeholders, training and knowledge deficits, limited training and technology transfer, underdeveloped domestic markets and low demand for organic products.
The research carried out at the University of Talca (Chile) is part of a PhD programme at the University of Bologna and focuses on the analysis of agricultural advisory services in the organic supply chain.
This research focuses on the national advisory system for organic and agroecological production in Chile, with the aim of identifying barriers and opportunities for its strengthening. To this end, a study was carried out within the framework of the National Organic Certification System and the Transition to Sustainable Agriculture Programme (TAS).
In general, the results show that the advisory system is highly fragmented, with few specialised advisors and a lack of specific technical training in organic farming. This situation particularly affects producers located in remote areas or areas with poor connectivity within the country. It is also noted that most universities do not yet offer formal programmes aimed at advisors, which limits the development of technical capacities in the sector. This role has been taken on by non-profit foundations. There is a clear need to move towards a pluralistic and inclusive approach that takes into account the diversity of production contexts and promotes stronger cooperation networks between public, private and community actors. The professionalisation of advisory services, specialised training and better institutional coordination are key to promoting an effective transition to environmentally sustainable and socially equitable agricultural systems.