Chile: The Los Lagos region has begun exporting the first certified potato seeds for this season.

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of the Los Lagos Region has begun inspecting and certifying the first batches of potato seed for the 2026 season, marking the start of shipments to both the national and international markets. Los Lagos is now the only Chilean region exporting this certified plant material, solidifying its position as a strategic benchmark for the country’s agriculture.

The first shipment of the season departed from Puerto Octay, carrying 25,000 kilograms of Atlantic variety seed tubers, produced by Semillas Llanquihue Ltda., destined for Brazil. According to Francisco Briones, regional director of the SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) in the Los Lagos region, this shipment is part of a total of 1,200 tons committed by the company for this season.

The Atlantic variety is in high demand in the Latin American market, especially for its use in the potato chip industry. Briones highlighted the qualities that make it unique: genetic quality, varietal purity, disease resistance, and excellent productive adaptability. These attributes are guaranteed by the official certification system promoted by SAG (Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service).

This season features the participation of three exporting companies from the region: Semillas Llanquihue in Puerto Octay, Semillas SZ in Frutillar, and Agrícola El Parque in Purranque. The main international destinations are Brazil, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Panama. Regarding projected volumes, Semillas SZ estimates exports of approximately 420 tons, and Agrícola El Parque around 125 tons.

The regional director emphasized the unique position of the Los Lagos region as a key player in this sector. According to Briones, the fact that it is the only region in the country that exports certified potato seed reflects the high sanitary and production standards achieved. He also stressed that seeds are fundamental to agricultural success, as they constitute the main input and their quality guarantees traceability and yield.

The SAG certification system encompasses comprehensive on-site inspections, monitoring throughout all production stages, traceability controls, and rigorous laboratory analysis. Briones emphasized that this work fosters the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and contributes to protecting Chile’s phytosanitary heritage by preventing the spread of quarantine pests.

For the 2025-2026 season, 1,242 hectares in the region have been allocated for certified seed production, encompassing nearly 80 varieties included in the program. Of this total, 305 hectares are specifically designated for export. Among the main varieties are Atlantic, FL-2312, FL-1867, Agata, Markies, and Asterix, each designed for specific markets and production uses.

Briones pointed out that Los Lagos’ leadership in this sector stems from a unique combination of factors that are difficult to replicate in other regions of the country. He emphasized that this strategic position is due to the region’s particular agro-climatic conditions, fertile soils, high technical capacity, and its status as being free of quarantine pests, supported by a solid infrastructure to guarantee certification.