Chile has become a a key player in global agriculture thanks to its seed production and export industryespecially during the off-season for the Northern Hemisphere. Although many people aren't aware of it, seeds from its valleys are harvested every year and end up being planted on millions of hectares of corn, soybeans, canola, vegetables and other strategic crops spread across the planet.
In recent decades the country has built a highly specialized technical, regulatory and productive ecosystemwhere science, multinational companies, local producers, and a demanding health framework converge. All of this has allowed Chile to become the leading seed exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, a benchmark in biotechnology and gene editing, and a reliable partner for the most demanding markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and other destinations.
Chile as a strategic player in global seed production
In the last twenty years, Chile has exported more than 2.396 billion dollars worth of biotech seeds, primarily genetically modified (GM) corn, soybeans, and canola, or those developed through advanced biotechnology. These seeds have enabled the establishment of more than 50 million hectares of crops worldwide, an amount equivalent to approximately one hundred years of planting across the entire agricultural territory of Chile.
They currently operate in the country around 20 companies dedicated to the production of genetically modified seedsMost of these farms are Chilean-owned. Many operate through contract farming with local producers, generating employment, foreign exchange, and, above all, technology transfer to Chilean agriculture. This model has significantly increased the technical capacity of farmers, technicians, and professionals.
Chilean leadership in this area is not a matter of chance, but the result of more than three decades of coordination between science, industry and regulatorsR&D trials, seed multiplication, and validation of new technologies are carried out under strict protocols and with high traceability, which has contributed to the country being perceived as a safe and reliable supplier in agricultural biotechnology.
In parallel, the industry has not limited itself to classic GMOs. Chile is also making progress in seeds obtained through genetic editingThese differ from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) because they do not incorporate external DNA from other organisms. In this field, the country ranks among the world leaders in the number of genetically edited products that have received positive evaluations, which reinforces its image as a hub for agricultural innovation.
Economic importance and export volumes of seeds
Each year, Chile exports large volumes of high-value seeds. In 2024 alone, the Total seed exports approached $400 million, equivalent to about 38.000 tons. This figure includes both physical exports and research and development services associated with improvement and multiplication programs.
If we look at the details by species, Vegetable seeds represent approximately 47% of total exports.followed by corn at around 23% and rapeseed (canola) at approximately 7%. The remainder consists of soybeans, flowers, forage crops, and other specialized crops produced under very specific contracts and with high quality standards.
In the biotech seed segment, the average value of the Physical exports are around $120 million annually over the past two decades. This is in addition to approximately $23 million per year in R&D services, related to field trials, development of new events, and accelerated off-season breeding programs.
The industry has experienced cycles of expansion and adjustment, with record years such as the 2012/2013 season, in which the Exports of genetically modified seeds reached $351 millionBeyond the ups and downs, the long-term trend shows the country consolidating its position as a permanent supplier in global supply chains.
Geographical, climatic and regulatory advantages of producing seeds in Chile
One of the country's greatest strengths lies in its natural advantages for off-season seed productionLocated in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile allows companies in the Northern Hemisphere to obtain a second annual seed harvest, thus accelerating their breeding and multiplication programs. This enables them to launch new varieties to the market more quickly and with more selection cycles per year.
the conditions of soil, solar radiation and Mediterranean climate Much of Chile's agricultural territory offers a very favorable environment for seed production. Temperatures during the growing season typically range from approximately 9°C at night to 28°C during the day, which favors the development of numerous crops, from cereals to high-value vegetables.
Another crucial aspect is the low level of pests and diseases Present in many areas, thanks to the geographic isolation provided by the Atacama Desert to the north, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Antarctic ice to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This relatively isolated corridor reduces the risk of contamination, varietal mixing, or the introduction of pathogens, which is critical when producing certified seeds.
In institutional matters, Chile has a A robust and internationally recognized Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG)Its phytosanitary regulations are stringent, ensuring that seeds leaving the country meet the requirements of demanding markets such as the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Asia. Furthermore, import and export procedures are characterized by their clarity and relative efficiency.
The country is part of key agreements and systems for the industry, such as the certification under OECD standards and membership in UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), which strengthens the protection of breeders' rights and provides legal certainty to investments in genetic improvement.
Territorial distribution and area under certification
Following a significant reduction in the area of ​​seedbeds in 2015, in recent years it has been observed a sustained recovery of the area subject to certificationDuring the 2019-2020 season, the total certified area reached approximately 23.921 hectares, representing an increase of 44% compared to the previous cycle.
Of this total, approximately 3.755 hectares corresponded to certification for the domestic market and some 20.166 hectares for certification for export purposes. Growth was especially strong in seedbeds geared towards exports, which increased by about 53% in area compared to the previous season.
Regarding regional distribution, the The Maule Region accounts for approximately 42% of the certified area (approximately 10.058 hectares). BiobÃo, O'Higgins, and La AraucanÃa follow, with significant proportions of the total. Maule clearly dominates in seed multiplication for export, while La AraucanÃa and Los Lagos stand out in certification for the domestic market.
By crop, the area of Corn seeds for export grew stronglyThe area planted with oats increased from approximately 4.860 hectares to over 12.000, representing a rise of nearly 60%. Significant increases were also recorded in wheatgrass and sunflower, while the area planted with rapeseed (canola) fell by nearly 20% that season, although it remained one of the main crops in terms of area.
In national certification, the expansion was more moderate but steady, with notable increases in rice, oats, wheat flour, white lupin and potatoPotatoes exceeded 1.000 hectares of certified seedbeds, and bread wheat grew again after a couple of years of decline, also reaching a volume of over 1,000 hectares.
Certification systems and seed categories
The Chilean seed industry operates under various internationally recognized certification systemsApproximately 59% of the area designated for export seedbeds is certified under the OECD system, about 40% under the AOSCA scheme (American Seed Certification Association) and a small percentage, around 1%, under the Argentine system.
In the case of corn seed farms for export, most of the production is located in high quality genetic categoriesApproximately 63,7% of seedbeds are multiplied as Basic seed, 34,3% as Certified first-generation seed, and a smaller percentage, close to 2%, as Pre-Basic seed. These categories reflect the level of purity and the place each batch occupies in the multiplication chain.
In sunflowers (marvel), the distribution by category is somewhat different: around the 27,6% corresponds to Basic seed32,4% with First Generation Certified and 40% with Pre-Basic, indicating a significant volume of production aimed at maintaining parental material and lines of high genetic value.
For raps or canola, around the 12% of the seedbeds correspond to Basic seedWhile 88% fall into the first-generation Certified category. In all cases, the focus is on guaranteeing varietal identity, purity, and high sanitary standards for very demanding international markets.
In the national certification, the species composition is also illustrative: approximately the 30% of the surface area corresponds to flour wheatfollowed by potatoes (around 27%), oats (around 10%), and, to a lesser extent, durum wheat and rice, which each represent around 9%. In La AraucanÃa, wheat, oat, and barley seed crops predominate, while in Los Lagos, potatoes are clearly the dominant crop.
Biotechnology, gene editing and Chile's role in food security
Globally, genetically modified crops already outnumber the 200 million hectares planted worldwideThis represents a significant portion of arable land. Numerous studies show that these technologies have led to yield increases of around 20% or more, substantial increases in farmers' income, and a reduction in the use of certain insecticides and herbicides.
The market of genetically modified foods and biotech seeds It continues to grow. It is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, and its expansion is expected to continue thanks to the incorporation of new tools such as gene editing, which allows for adjusting specific crop characteristics without introducing external genes.
Chile has specialized in the Field validation and multiplication of most corn, soybean, and canola events which are then commercially cultivated in the rest of the world. All the GMOs of these crops currently on the market have at some point undergone trials or production in Chilean soil, underscoring the country's strategic importance in the global food security chain.
In addition to its role in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Chile occupies a prominent position in the development and evaluation of genetically edited varietiesThese products are considered distinct from classic GMOs because they do not contain DNA from other species. The country ranks among the world leaders in the number of edited products that have received favorable evaluations, indicating a scientific and regulatory environment attentive to new technologies.
However, this leadership faces a significant challenge: the need to modernize the regulatory framework related to GMOs and new biotechnologies. The main regulations governing the research and multiplication of transgenic seeds date back to the early 2000s, and the industry is insisting on updating them and creating specific instruments for genetically edited varieties, in order to provide greater certainty for investment and maintain the country's competitiveness.
Chile as a global counterseasonal hub
The globalization of agriculture has put the Off-season production at the heart of seed sourcing strategiesSouth America's ability to produce in the "opposite season" to the northern hemisphere has been fundamental in reducing supply bottlenecks and accelerating the development of new varieties adapted to climate change and the growing demand for food.
Chile exports approximately 3% of its total agricultural productionAnd seeds represent a relatively small fraction in value compared to other items such as fresh fruit. However, in terms of specialization, it is the leading seed exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, a position recognized by the International Seed Federation and by numerous multinational companies in the sector.
Companies like HyTech Production, based in Canada and with more than two decades of presence in the country, They use Chile as the main base for the production of rapeseed and other crops in the off-season. From here, commercial hybrids are produced, parental lines are multiplied, and breeding nurseries are established that then feed the improvement programs of North American, European, and other regional companies.
Reliable delivery, even in adverse contexts such as earthquakes, tsunamis or pandemics, has strengthened international confidence in the operational capacity of the Chilean seed industryDespite competing for space on airlines with sectors such as salmon or mining, the sector has demonstrated remarkable logistical flexibility to meet tight deadlines for shipping seeds to Canada, Europe, Africa, Oceania and other destinations.
With over 40 years of accumulated experience in off-season production, Chilean production has established itself as a essential partner in the North American canola seed supply chainBut it is also gaining ground in species such as soybeans, oats, wheat, hemp, mustard and various vegetables, continuously expanding its portfolio to respond to new demands.
High technology, quality control and traceability
One of the features that international clients value most is the rigorous genetic, health and physical quality control that companies in Chile apply. From planting to storage, the processes incorporate detailed traceability, which allows tracking each lot, plot and stage of handling, guaranteeing that the final product strictly conforms to the contracted specifications.
The adoption of advanced technologies at every stage of the production process It is becoming increasingly visible. Modern planting and harvesting equipment, advanced irrigation systems, remote monitoring with sensors, cameras and GPS, and, more recently, drones for specific applications when terrain conditions require it, for example, after extreme weather events such as floods, are being used.
In the post-harvest field, processing plants incorporate automation in cleaning, sorting, processing, packaging and storageThis reduces human error, improves efficiency, and facilitates compliance with customer-specific protocols, which often require very specific parameters for humidity, physical purity, and germination.
An example of the integration between academia and business is the development of a portable device for monitoring and traceability of the high-value seed production processLed by the Pontifical Catholic University of ValparaÃso, along with technology companies and seed companies, the project aims to capture images of flowers at different stages of their life cycle. emasculation and manual pollination, process them using machine learning techniques and detect possible errors in real time.
These types of solutions, which are being designed to work even through smartphone applications, seeks to reduce losses due to hybridization failures and further strengthen quality control. This is not a problem of volume, but of precision: a minimal error in the genetic identity of the seed can result in a variety different from the one contracted for, with very high costs for the buyer.
Vegetable seed production and species diversity
Chile not only excels in extensive crops such as corn, soybeans, or canola; it is also a international leader in vegetable seed productionTechnical missions organized by institutions such as Embrapa Hortaliças have allowed foreign producers and experts to learn firsthand about the level of technology applied in the country in this segment.
During these visits, universities, research centers, and the fields of companies associated with the National Association of Seed Producers (ANPROS)where visitors can observe everything from seedling production to harvesting, processing, and storage. Traceability, the automation of certain processes, and the intensive use of standardized protocols are aspects that often attract the attention of visitors.
The variety of species worked is very broad: seeds are produced from nightshades such as tomato and eggplantCucurbits such as cucumber, melon, watermelon, and squash; apiaceae such as carrots and parsley; and different types of cabbages, including cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. Sweet corn and onions are also important crops, complementing a very diversified offering.
In many of these vegetables, especially high-value hybrids, production involves intensive manual laborwith hundreds of workers dedicated to emasculation, pollination, and flower selection. Although error rates are low, any mistake has a significant cost, hence the strong emphasis on quality control and traceability.
The climate, with low relative humidity and mild temperatures in the central zone, along with the presence in Chile of large multinational seed companies that set up their off-season programs thereThis reinforces the country's position as a reliable supplier to markets such as Europe, Asia, and the United States, which demand high-quality horticultural seeds.
Organic seed production and new opportunities
The growing global demand for food produced under standards of organic and sustainable agriculture It has also opened up an interesting niche in the production of organic seeds. For years, European regulations required the use of organic seeds for the certification of organic products, but given the limited supply available, the use of conventional seeds was permitted in certain cases, provided there were no local alternatives.
This context led to European seed companies that carried out their counterseason multiplications in Chile They began searching for farmers with specific knowledge in organic seed production. To address this interest, seminars and training programs were organized to generate theoretical and practical foundations that would allow Chilean producers to enter this type of market.
The objectives of these initiatives have been multiple: to provide farmers and businesses with technical foundations to develop organic production; offer an alternative for crop diversification; deepen knowledge of international regulations on organic production and their relationship with seed multiplication; and address the specific management of the species with the highest demand in organic format.
A significant part of these programs includes technical tours to organic seedbeds in different regionswhere participants can observe firsthand the implementation of practices such as soil management without chemical synthesis, biological pest control, weed management, and isolation techniques to prevent cross-contamination.
All of this is part of a long-term vision in which the production of seeds, both conventional and organic, is considered key to the sustainability of the agri-food industry and for global food security, since the seed is the starting point of the entire food value chain.
Human capital, investment and future challenges
The development of the Chilean seed industry has been accompanied by a cumulative investment exceeding $150 million in recent decadesalong with the creation of tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It is estimated that more than 30.000 people are directly involved in the various stages of production, from the fields to the processing plants.
This human capital includes highly specialized farmers, agronomists, technicians and operatorsMany of these producers have worked for years with the same off-season companies, accumulating experience and adapting to the changing demands of the market. The progressive professionalization of these producers translates into greater efficiency, improved agronomic management, and greater stability in commercial relationships.
The challenges are significant: The availability of agricultural land competes with high-value permanent crops, such as fruit trees, which often displace seedbeds. Furthermore, in certain areas and years, water availability can be a limiting factor, requiring very careful water resource management and investments in irrigation infrastructure.
Environmental sustainability is also at the heart of the debate. Regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law In the packaging sector, regulations require companies to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the materials they use. At the same time, many companies in the sector have voluntarily committed to producing more with less impact, adopting practices that reduce their environmental footprint.
At the regulatory level, one of the major challenges is update legislation on agricultural biotechnology to explicitly incorporate new gene-editing tools and clarify the SAG's role in this area. The industry insists that a more modern framework, with clear and predictable rules, would attract more investment, consolidate the country's global leadership, and generate even more quality jobs.
In light of all that has been described, Chile is emerging as a a true strategic hub for the production, innovation and export of seedsCapable of combining unique natural advantages, a dynamic private sector, a strong scientific base, and a constantly evolving regulatory framework, maintaining and strengthening this position requires continued investment in technology and human capital, improved sustainability, and modernized regulations, ensuring the country remains a reliable partner for global agriculture and a driver of development for its own rural areas.
