Chilean Peach Crop Trending Upward

WASHINGTON - Oct 11/06 - SNS -- Peach production in Chile appears to be in an uptrend, which could see this year's harvest come in at 75,100 metric tons (MT) and next year's 81,600 MT, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

"Although it is still early for a good prediction, (conditions) indicate a higher output than last year. As a result of excellent weather and good temperatures during May-August a higher than last year production is expected. Additionally, a larger production is expected as a result of new plantings coming into production," the agricultural attache said.

Peach production in Chile normally is delivered fresh to canneries without any pre-selection. A certain percentage of the fruit is rejected immediately before being processed and destined mainly for pulp production. The pulp is used for a variety of products, including jams and confectionary products and also exported.

New planting figures published by the Ministry of Agriculture show that total planted area to peach varieties expanded to over 7,200 hectares.

Approximately 2,500 hectares are planted north of Santiago in Region V (San Felipe-Los Andes). In the Santiago Metropolitan Region there are 1,422 hectares. The remainder is mostly planted south of Santiago in Region VI (Rancagua). Some replanting with improved varieties also continues to take place, which will result in a production expansion during the next few years.

Over 27 different peach varieties for canning are planted in Chile. The most popular varieties that account for 75% of total planted area are Pomona, Andros, Fortuna and Phillip's Cling. Other varieties like Doctor Davies, Everts and Loadel do not exceed 6% each.

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