Monticello hosts the first major Chilean technical conference on cherry trees: 28 and 29 May

21 Apr 2025
598

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.

Two days of research, innovation, and strategy

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.

Climate challenges and new varieties

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.

Post-harvest management and phytosanitary defense

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.

Future perspectives for cherry growing

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.


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Chinese study investigates link between HIPP proteins and cold tolerance in sweet cherry tree

Breeding

20 Jun 2024

A recent study from Guizhou University analysed the role of a specific protein, PavHIPP16, in sweet cherry. The study measured several physiological and biochemical parameters to understand the mechanisms behind this improved cold tolerance.

Gregory Lang: cherry orchard training system innovations

Planting systems

01 May 2023

Sweet cherry growers around the world are increasingly adopting trellised training systems that create a narrow, contiguous, planar “fruiting wall” canopy architecture. The benefits of such a radically redesigned orchard are significant.

In evidenza

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Organic fertilizers and compost: sustainable growth in organic orchards in Puglia

Tech management

22 Aug 2025

In Puglia, research on organic orchards highlights how compost and organic fertilizers boost yield, improve soil health, and enhance plant resilience. A sustainable approach that supports Mediterranean organic farming while delivering environmental and agronomic benefits.

Tag Popolari