Chile's new Fedefruta president Cristián Allendes has pledged to concentrate on strengthening producer partnerships, productivity and export promotion.

Allendes is keen to boost foreign workers to address labor shortages, tackle exchange rate issues and the rising cost of production. He said he would continue to work closely with the Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex).

Allendes has extensive industry experience as a director of Fedefruta for 10 years and as president of ChileGap, which verifies fruit and vegetable safety.

He will be backed by first vice president Juan Carolus Brown and second vice president Jorge Valenzuela. Outgoing president Antonio Walker, will continue on the board and be accompanied by Domingo Romero, Ramón Achurra and Andrés Santa Cruz.

Valenzuela, who is also president of the Fruit Nurseries Association (AGVF), said his appointment marked an important step for the trade body.

"This is the first time in the history of the federation that nurseries have formal representation on the board," he told www.freshfruitportal.com.

María Inés Figari has been appointed to the board in charge of labor relations; the first time a woman has assumed this role within the trade body.

Walker said he realized the fruit industry had more potential than he first thought when he started as president.

"We have everything: land, phytosanitary conditions, good entrepreneurs. Agriculture is also the best tool we have in this country to develop their regions, through a strong and modern agriculture."

He said Fedefruta would continue to push the Government to take a pro-active approach over fruit exports and treat the sector with the importance it deserves.

www.freshfruitportal.com