Climate change and the mega-drought that is affecting Chile have changed agricultural production in the region of Valparaiso, one of the most affected regions by these phenomena. In the last decade, the area devoted to growing fruit in the region has decreased by 3.5%; in contrast, in the rest of the country, the area has increased by 28.7% in the same period. This decrease in the area has been due to climate change (which goes beyond a decrease in rainfall), labor shortages, changes in consumer preferences, and the appearance of new competing countries, according to a document from Odepa. "This has forced us to adapt to this situation and to look for fruit-growing alternatives that demand less water and labor, and that are more competitive both in national and international markets," stated the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Emilia Undurraga. According to data from the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (Odepa), the main species that have decreased are avocado (-7.7%), lemon (-18%), and orange (-36.8%). In the same period, walnuts increased by 113%, mandarins by 223%, and almonds by 34%. The value of avocado, lemon, walnut, and mandarin exports increased in the last decade, while exports of processed peaches and table grapes decreased. Impact on the avocado industry Chile continues to be a relevant player in the avocado industry at a global level. However, the country went from being the second main exporter of avocados in the world ten years ago and now ranks fifth, after being displaced by the Netherlands, Peru, and Spain. 67.4% of the Chilean avocado area is located in the Valparaiso region. In 2008, this region had 22,008 hectares devoted to avocado crops. In 2020 it had 20,318, i.e. 7.7% fewer hectares. Avocado exports went from 107,922 tons in 2010 to 96,883 in 2020. However, the FOB price increased by 51% in 10 years, going from 177,234 dollars per ton to 267,328 dollars. It should also be noted that the water shortage that has affected the national territory for more than a decade has led to some modifications in agricultural irrigation techniques to make better use of water in the different areas of the country. According to Odepa's report, "in the last 12 years, the surface irrigated by drip irrigation in the Valparaiso region has increased by 26%." Source - https://www.freshplaza.com