Efficient Almond Production in Chile
The Impact of Hedge System and Mechanized Harvesting
Through a Field Day organized by Agromillora Chile in collaboration with Chile Almonds at Inversiones Sevilla (formerly Anakena Vineyard), the positive results obtained through the hedge planting system of almond trees were showcased. This dry fruit has been regaining ground after the significant drop in prices in international markets during the pandemic.
Chile, March 2025.- After three years of uncertainty, where the price of almonds rose but remained with an overstock of harvests due to the pandemic, the global market began to stabilize. Although global production was 37% lower than the previous period in 2024, prices are returning to pre-COVID-19 levels this year. California is the world’s leading producer, supplying 80% of the global market, and this year’s production estimates are down due to high temperatures, which has driven up prices. Additionally, Spain, the second-largest producer, has also reduced its market contribution and has recently been recovering its production capacity.
Chile is not immune to the fluctuations in almond prices and production. Although estimates indicate fewer hectares planted, productivity has been increasing. “This is due to the incorporation of technology, better varieties, and super-intensive agriculture that reduces costs,” says Sebastián Valdés, president of Chile Almonds. In any case, since 2024, there is no longer uncertainty regarding international prices. “The market is already organized, there has been a price increase. 2025 and 2026 should be good years; Chile is recovering from bad years. We will repeat the sales volume of 2023 but with fewer hectares, and this is because there is higher productivity in less land. It’s a safe business,” he adds.
Such is the case of Inversiones Sevilla (formerly Anakena Vineyard), where producers, specialists, and nurserymen learned about new technologies and harvest results under the hedge model of almond trees at this farm located in Requínoa, O’Higgins Region. “This is the second harvest we have carried out under this model,” says Francisco Sasso, general manager of Agrícola Los Valles. “As vineyard owners, we sought ways to diversify into fruit growing. We looked at efficient fruit trees in terms of labor, with the most advanced mechanization possible, and the almond tree was an alternative that I saw more than a traditional orchard. I was fortunate to be close to Agromillora, and thus this project was presented where we learned about this fruit,” he adds. “As vineyard owners, it was easy for us to incorporate high-density orchards. We are in the second harvest, and this year we will reach 1,000 kilos of nuts per hectare. Last year we produced 350 kilos, and next year we will reach 2,000 kilos per hectare. We are very satisfied,” he concludes.
“As vineyard owners, it was easy for us to incorporate high-density orchards. We are in the second harvest, and this year we will reach 1,000 kilos of nuts per hectare”
Agricultural Mechanization: Precision, Speed, and Sustainability
For Francisco Sasso, mechanization and the use of optimal machinery are essential for good performance. “In our second almond harvest, we have super-efficient machinery that pours directly into bins without touching the ground or direct handling; there is very advanced cleaning,” he says.
For the prominent agronomist and former professor at the Catholic University, Jorge Castro, it is always positive to learn about initiatives to innovate in agriculture. “I have been impressed by the advances shown at this event, but like all innovation, innovating always involves risks, but it seems everything is well planned. Good measures have been shown and applied regarding water care, limiting pesticide use; I think the dissemination of knowledge is very good, and people show interest because traditionally the producer is more reluctant to incorporate technology. Seeing results in agriculture is slow; I have a good impression of what I saw today, I am surprised by the new machinery, previously the work was much slower,” he points out.
Agromillora is a world-leading company with 37 years of experience in the nursery sector. It specializes in the multiplication and commercialization of in vitro rootstocks and olive plants with the highest genetic and sanitary quality standards. Its global presence and experience, with 12 subsidiaries and 10 laboratories, position it as an innovative company and a reference in global agricultural development, with new technological solutions achieving greater profitability and efficiency for its clients’ projects. Agromillora is committed to the environment, social and economic development through Corporate Sustainability by conducting respectful behavior with the surroundings.
