According to Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela, Chile has announced an investment of 198 billion pesos (approximately US$243.3 million) to strengthen food security in the country through the “Siembra por Chile” program.
Minister Valenzuela highlighted that around 30,000 individuals would, directly and indirectly, benefit from this initiative during a visit to the La Araucanía region in southern Chile, one of the areas set to gain the most from the program.
Mario González, Mayor of Padre Las Casas, a commune in the region, emphasized the needs and requirements of small-family farmers and the Mapuche community, the largest indigenous group residing predominantly in this region.
He noted the importance of the program’s financial instruments in strengthening and supporting agriculture, particularly for subsistence farmers and small agricultural entrepreneurs.
As stated in the government’s press release, the “Siembra por Chile” program aims to enhance food security, address emergencies, and revitalize the agricultural sector.
The allocated funds will be distributed across 18 measures, supporting 36,000 beneficiaries to foster the development of the forestry and livestock sectors.
The program’s measures are divided into four key areas: promoting productivity, stimulating economic reactivation, providing financial assistance and capacity building, and improving access to information.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Chile seeks to bolster its food security, support agricultural activities, and empower farmers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the country’s sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.