The Chilean Fruit Producers Federation (Fedefruta) has named Los Andes exporter Juan Carolus Brown Bauzá as its new president.

Brown replaces Cristián Allendes, who led the organization during several key crises, including port strikes and devastating frosts. The new president highlighted the importance of continuing to address such export barriers during his term.

"As a sector, we have lived through a very interesting period, dealing with major agricultural issues with authorities," Brown said, addressing Fedefruta in his first discourse as president.

"We must seize the opportunity. We have a professional association that is heard throughout the country and our job should focus on promoting dialogue with diverse stakeholders to tackle our greatest challenges. We also have urgent topics to address. Among other things, we will continue insisting on a law to protect perishable exports during strikes."

Brown comes from an agricultural background and currently works with several growers' organizations in Chile. He serves on the board for the Los Andes Agricultural Association and is president of Biofrutales, a biotechnology consortium that develops new fruit varieties.

His predecessor, Allendes, will continue to serve Fedefruta as federation director.

"I am leaving my post with the sensation that we have shown the fruit production/export sector is an industry that knows how to do things well," Allendes said in his last public address as president.

"We have taught producers that they can be profitable despite the challenges. Above all, we have shown we are a sector with optimistic entrepreneurs that are proactive before change, modernization and mechanization, leaving behind the typical image of farmers who are always complaining and asking for things."

Upcoming on Fedefruta's policy agenda will be meetings with the Bachelet government, including talks with the ministries of economy, labor and agriculture.

Photo: Juan Carolus Brown Bauzá, Fedefruta

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