Delegation from Chile visits Germany

Chilean delegates from the agricultural and food sector visited companies and research institutes in Germany from 5 to 12 October.

As part of the 'Smart Energy Concepts Chile' project, 14 entrepreneurs from Chile travelled to Germany to learn about energy efficiency in agriculture and food production. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).

The fact-finding trip focused on excursions to German institutes and companies specialising in climate-friendly technologies for the agricultural and food sector. This sector plays a key role in many South American countries, but in many cases the lack of expertise and know-how prevents active participation in global markets. Through the exchange of knowledge and lessons learned, the IKI project primarily aims to build the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises over the long term.

The delegates travelled to several locations, including the laboratory for drying technology at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering in Potsdam, where they were given a presentation on the application of cold plasma for disinfection. The presentation also highlighted efficient ways to recycle agricultural waste, such as tree trimming waste. In Eberswalde, delegates learned how mp-tec has integrated solar energy applications into its projects and about the possible uses of solar pumps for irrigation in agriculture.

The University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart prepared an interesting overview of current scientific developments for the participants, who were mainly producers and processors of nuts and fruit. The next companies visited, Innotech and Perrot, rounded out this topic by outlining their hands-on experience with solar drying, irrigation and frost protection. A factory tour at the chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport offered insights into a company committed to sustainable production. The programme included visits to Feucht Obsttechnik, a manufacturer of fruit harvesting technology, and Bühler Barth, a machine manufacturer. Finally, staff from the Landesversuchsanstalt für Gartenbau in Heidelberg, a state research institute for horticulture, gave participants an overview of groundwater protection techniques and a first-hand look at a geothermal greenhouse. The fact-finding tour, which was organised in cooperation with the Association of Producers and Exporters of Chilean Nuts (Chilenut) and the Chilean Irrigation and Drainage Association (AGRYD), concluded with a visit to the Anuga international food fair in Cologne.