Chile's Office of Agriculture Studies and Policy (ODEPA) has announced horticultural export values rose 29% to US$26 million in January and February, compared to the same period in 2010.

ODEPA director Gustavo Rojas said horticultural exports to Spain rose significantly during the first two months of 2011.

"The reason for the increase in horticultural exports is a strong increase in volumes shipped to Spain at 5,038 (metric) tons with a value of US$8.9 million, representing rises of 79% and 139%  respectively, compared to the same period in 2010," he said.

But while dollar values of the exports rose 29%, volumes were up just 10% to 19,196 metric tons (MT).

ODEPA said the main export products were garlic and onions, representing 98% of the total, while other products included carrots and oregano.

Mexico was the second-biggest importer as it bought 33% of the total, followed by the U.S. (22%), the Netherlands (5%), Australia (1%) and Argentina (1%).

Photo: www.camiri.net

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com