2015-06_WFO_Farmletter_ENG_web

WFO F@rmletterCASE STUDIES & BEST PRACTICESbest performing varieties, where theirexpertise was fundamental. They andthe research institutions we collaboratedwith were continuously providingdetailed assessments on performanceto guide towards the bestselection. Even though these pioneerfarmers had to undergo this difficulttrial period, their involvement led toan ownership of the eventual success,a strong sense of collaboration and thecreation of a robust root for the industry.This was key to creating the innovativecollaborative approach betweenthe local producers and AgriChile.CHILE’S HAZELNUT EXPORTSFIGURE SHOWS CHILE’S HAZELNUT EXPORTS BY VOLUME, VALUE AND PRICE. THE GRAPH BE-GINS AROUND WHEN THE CHILEAN INDUSTRY BEGAN TO EXPORT ITS PRODUCTION. OVER THE-SE 10 YEARS, A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN VOLUME AND AN EVEN FURTHER INCREASE IN VALUECAN BE OBSERVED. A DIRECT LINK TO FERRERO’S INNOVATIVE APPROACH CAN BE DRAWN.Main Beneficiariesand Needs AddressedAgriChile positively impacts on manypeople’s life, especially:• Young workers looking for a jobare able to be employed and thusreach an economic security ensuringthem the possibility of planninga future, avoiding emigration;• Ambitious workers are offered careeropportunities and better economicand cultural conditions;Main Difficulty or ObstacleFerrero arrived in Chile with the intentionto plant Italian varieties of hazelnuttrees, while also testing others.After 10 years of trials, one of the varietieson which Ferrero was hoping tosee success from largely underperformed,in terms of productivity, thus puttingthe whole project at risk.This has led to a strategic engagementwith the local farmers to identify theEnvironmental ImpactHazelnut cultivation is a perennial system,which brings many environmentaladvantages over other crops. Theproject area has its own environmentalcharacteristics in terms of climate, soilcomposition and water availability. Byembracing them, we make sure thatthe ecosystem is neither being stressednor underused. When stressed itleads to high inputs turning the systemfragile; when underused its lack of performancemust be offset by a greateruse of land and resources.AgriChile aimed to find land wherehazelnut systems worked in harmonywith the local environment’s capacity.• Students can benefit from specializedtraining opportunities thatcould lead to job placement;• Farmers can diversify their activitiesadding a new crop that guarantees:Independence and resiliencedue to the hazelnut technicalsupport service, diversification ofincome, accessibility to inputs forgreater return, transferability ofmachinery, pioneering opportunity,market access;• Local politicians can provide theircommunities of shock resistantlocal economy through hazelnutcultivation; technical elevation ofthe agricultural workforce, opportunitiesfor the next generations toremain in agriculture.HEADCOUNT OF AGRICHILETHE GRAPH CLEARLY SHOWS HOW AGRICHILE HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED THE NUMBEROF PEOPLE HIRED FOR THE PROJECT. THE COMPANY HAS NOTICEABLY REPLACED TEMPORARYSTAFF WITH PERMANENT AND STABLE WORK OPPORTUNITIES.18