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by Amy Beth Graves

"Agricultural powerhouses" of South America is how Mike Pullins describes Chile and Argentina.

Pullins, executive director of OFBF Development Corp., is helping organize an agricultural tour of Chile and Argentina. Up to 40 Farm Bureau members from Ohio and other states are eligible to sign up for the trip, which runs from Feb. 18 to March 2. Participants will spend seven days in Chile and four in Argentina.

"This is a great opportunity for farmers to see the role agriculture plays in these two countries' economies. The trip will also give participants the chance to learn from each other as they travel together," Pullins said.

Stops in Chile include fruit farms, the seed production site of the nation's largest farm supply company, growers of feed and cereal grains and vineyards. Government policy reforms, improved technology and entrepreneurship have contributed to major increases in Chile's agricultural and forestry industries. Exports have increased due to intensification and yield improvements. Many large livestock and grain farms have converted to fruit and vegetable farms, making Chile a major supplier of winter fruit and vegetables to the northern hemisphere, Pullins said.

"We'll learn about how the government and private sector work together to promote agriculture in Chile as well as how Chile was able to successfully privatize its Social Security system," he said.

In Argentina, participants will visit the region's largest winery, one of its largest fruit farms, a leading agricultural cooperative and a livestock market where 8,000 to 12,000 cattle are sold daily. Livestock is a major product in Argentina, where approximately half of all exports are agricultural products, Pullins said. Sugar, fruit, wine, tea, tobacco and cotton also are produced and exported.

Issues to be discussed during the trip include consumer buying habits, seed varieties, genetics and pest control, domestic markets, agricultural entrepreneurship, climate, soil and transportation challenges, agricultural policy and marketing challenges.

Cost is $3,500 per person based on double occupancy (single room is an additional $397). This includes roundtrip airfare from Miami to Santiago, flights within Chile and Argentina, hotel, breakfast, lunch and guides. Roundtrip airfare to Miami and evening meals are not included.

Registration deadline is Sept. 30 and final payment is due Nov. 15. For more information, contact Mike Pullins at 614-246-8284 or mpullins@ofbf.org. Details also are available by clicking on Events at www.ofbf.org.