During 2024, Río Negro consolidated the growth of cherry production, with 450 hectares dedicated to cultivation and a 20% increase in new plantations. A historic milestone was reached with the first shipments to Chile, while Latin American and Southeast Asian countries emerge as key destinations.
Cherry production in Río Negro is enhanced by the incorporation of early varieties that optimize resource use in the Middle Valley, allowing for an earlier harvest and greater competitiveness in international markets.
These advances are the result of a joint effort between the public and private sectors, with the Government of Río Negro, through the Ministry of Economic Development and Productivity, playing a key role in the promotion and financial support for producers.
In this context, Governor Alberto Weretilneck emphasized the importance of market diversification. “We are working hard to promote innovation and position our cherries in international destinations that value the quality of our product,” he said.
Since 2019, strategic assistance programs have been implemented, such as the Regional Assistance Program (PAR), which provides financing for the purchase of agricultural production factors and protection technologies like anti-hail nets, essential for mitigating the impact of late frosts.
Investments in irrigation infrastructure have also been a key pillar, with tariff subsidies offered by the Federal Investment Council (CFI) and Banco Patagonia to small and medium-sized producers.
In this regard, emphasizing investment, the Minister of Economic Development and Productivity, Carlos Banacloy, stated that “the fruit industry of Río Negro, with the cherry as its main protagonist, is preparing to continue growing in the coming years, driven by Governor Weretilneck's policy, which asks us to work on technological innovation, market diversification, and supporting the commitment to sustainability.”
Cherry production has grown not only in terms of volume but has also reached new quality standards. In this sense, the biological control of pests, using natural predators, is another commitment that ensures a clean and sustainable product, meeting the highest sanitary standards for international markets. In 2024, the province maintained its sanitary status in key markets such as Brazil, where for the third consecutive year, no phytosanitary issues were reported.
“We had a harvest of excellent quality with a volume 20% higher than last year, which makes Río Negro a record in its history of cherry harvests. The reasons for the quality are generally natural. There was extreme quality, with very good sizes, cherries with very good color, and as an added value, this includes the incorporation of early genetics, which has brought forward the harvest time,” said Facundo Fernandez, Secretary of Fruit Production of Río Negro.
The first shipments of cherries from Río Negro to Chile were made in October. This has strengthened its presence in markets such as Peru, Colombia, and Panama, which are positioned as key destinations for 2025. Southeast Asia is also under development, with markets such as India, Vietnam, and Thailand, where fruit consumption continues to grow.
Furthermore, Río Negro will assume coordination of the Mercosur Commission and International Negotiations of the Federal Council for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which will further strengthen its position in strategic markets.
Source: Agrovalle
Images: SL Fruit Service
30 May 2023
Due to the current climate changes an increase in the average winter temperatures is leading to an advancement in the bud break and flowering of fruit crops and this means a higher susceptibility to late spring frosts.
25 Jun 2024
As of 1 June, 2024 production was estimated at 37,000 tonnes, an increase of 10% over the previous year and 21% over the average harvest from 2019 to 2023. The start of the campaign is in line with last year, with bad weather reducing the market supply.
02 Feb 2026
Chile’s cherry rootstock genetic program ends its final stage with field trials of ten clonal selections, tested against climate and pathogen stress. The project aims to improve productivity and sustainability in the central-southern region of the country.
02 Feb 2026
Tasmanian cherry production is set to grow by 15% in the 2025/26 season, with larger and sweeter fruit. With no fruit fly and fast air freight, exports are aimed at Asian markets, targeting strong sales around the Chinese New Year celebrations in mid-February.
