A landmark event for the cherry industry: international experts, innovation, market analysis, and climate challenges are at the heart of the Redagrícola Cherry Conference agenda.
Chile is preparing to host an unprecedented technical event for the cherry sector. The first edition of the Redagrícola Cherry Conference will take place on May 28 and 29, 2025, at the Monticello Events Center in Mostazal, O’Higgins Region.
This two-day event dedicated entirely to cherry cultivation is designed for farmers, technicians, researchers, and business operators interested in exploring the latest sector developments.
With a technical-specialist format, true to Redagrícola's style, the conference will bring together key figures from the international and Chilean cherry-growing scene, offering opportunities for dialogue, discussion, and updates on research, technological innovation, and market perspectives.
The event will be organized across two conference halls, featuring a rich program of presentations and round tables. Alongside technical-scientific presentations, startups, research centers, and universities will showcase the latest developments in genetics, physiology, post-harvest technologies, and sustainability.
One of the most anticipated presentations will be from Ricky Chong, commercial director of Global Fresh, a company with cherry orchards in Chile, China, and Tasmania. Chong will provide an analysis of the Chinese market—the main outlet for around 90% of Chilean exports—and reflect on the need to diversify trade destinations in response to new consumer behaviors in Asia.
The conference will also tackle the implications of climate change on cherry cultivation. Dr. Javier Rodrigo (CITA, Spain) will share his experience on standardizing agronomic criteria for different varieties in an increasingly unpredictable climate context.
His focus will be on biological markers to identify fruit ripening stages.
From the Chilean side, Dr. Karen Sagredo (Universidad de Chile) will speak about the physiology of cherry trees related to the demand for larger fruits, analyzing varieties currently cultivated in the country.
She is also actively involved in validating products for sustainable orchard management.
Another key topic will be post-harvest management. Jessica Rodríguez, an expert with over 20 years of industry experience, will analyze the crucial processes for preserving cherry quality up to the final destination, drawing on her consultancy work with Trío Kimún.
Significant attention will be given to real agronomic challenges. Luis Valenzuela, former R&D director at Copefrut, will address disorders related to climate and pollination, while Jordi Casas, former technical director at Frusan, will discuss critical issues and opportunities linked to new varieties on the market.
On nutrition, Dr. Marlene Ayala (PUC Chile) will present her studies on the importance of foliar calcium and productive physiology of cherry trees, oriented toward genetic improvement.
Closing the expert presentations will be Walter Masman, a consultant active between the Coquimbo and Los Lagos regions, who will lead a technical debate on critical issues from the 2024/25 season, characterized by record export volumes.
Finally, Dr. Andrés France (formerly INIA) will highlight emerging pathogens linked to the expansion of cultivation areas and introduction of new varieties in previously uncultivated regions.
In a complex year for the industry, the Cherry Conference aims to be a turning point for professionals in Chilean cherry growing who are eyeing international markets with interest.
A unique opportunity to stay updated, exchange insights, and tackle future challenges with greater awareness, keeping an eye also on the European and Italian contexts, increasingly focused on product quality and sustainability.
📌 More information and the full program are available on the official Redagrícola website.
11 Sep 2024
A study conducted by Chilean and Spanish researchers analyzed the balance that sweet cherry trees must manage between responding to drought conditions and defending against pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss). The study focuses on cv. Bing and cv. Santina.
02 Jul 2024
Roxane Flores, Director of Human Capital Development and Regulatory Affairs at AFIPA, shares her visit with Cristián Osorio, a cherry grower from Coltauco, and together they discuss the main challenges that Chilean farmers face in bringing their cherries to international markets.
03 Oct 2025
Rootstock selection in high-density cherry orchards affects tree vigour, fruit size, biochemical quality and postharvest resistance. A Turkish study on Krymsk 5, Gisela 6 and Piku 1 with 0900 Ziraat and Regina cultivars identifies ideal combinations for various markets.
03 Oct 2025
Chilean cherries strengthen their footprint in Southeast Asia: over 2,200 tons exported to Thailand and new market openings in Vietnam and Indonesia. ProChile’s ASEAN mission also paves the way for kiwifruit, blueberries and citrus, boosting Chile’s fruit diversification strategy
