Chile: Casablanca Organics

Emilio Fernandez is a doctor, a professor in the medical faculty at the University of Santiago de Chile, a member of international medical bodies – and a fruit farmer. Ten years ago, he bought land to the south of the Chilean capital and, with the help of an experienced fruit farmer, began to lay out an organic apple plantation. Today, Casablanca Organics produces several varieties of apple that are sold on the domestic market and in the United States. The company is a good example of what can be achieved by an enterprising private individual who focuses on organic farming because he is convinced of the advantages it brings. (Picture: Dr. Emilio Fernandez is convinced of the health benefits of organic apples)

“We believe organic is healthier and protects our environment. That’s why my wife and I decided to get involved ourselves,” says Dr. Fernandez of the decision he and his wife (also a doctor) took ten years ago. “We’re doctors, and for us there is no doubt that nutrition is one of the most important factors in health,” explains Fernandez. “When you look at the biological interrelationships, it is obvious that the circular economy in organic agriculture and the poison-free methods it uses get the best out of fruit. We’re convinced of this.” He chose to grow apples is because this kind of crops raise nicely in this terroir, the same as vinegrapes and because apples are very effective for healthy nutrition.

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The Casablanca Valley is in a protected location close to a mountain range and some distance from the big classic apple-growing regions of Chile. The boundaries of the farm (50 ha) have been re-aligned and, as well as the areas devoted to apple-growing, you see land left fallow to preserve the natural biodiversity. Fernandez and his farm manager Eduardo Pizzagalli have tested a number of cropping methods. What have proved best are high density planting, pest control by using beneficial insects and flower corridors between the rows of trees that attract insects and enrich the soil.
(Picture: Flower corridors in the apple plantation attract insects)

In recent years, rainfall has become a problem: it has declined from 400-600 mm/year to 280 mm in 2010. In spite of a dry 2010, Casablanca Organics still exported 50,000 boxes of Pink Lady and Granny Smith to the USA, and they supplied the still limited market in Chile as well. In terms of climate, they are hoping for a better season in 2011.
(Picture: Dr. Fernandez and his farm manager Eduardo Pizzagalli , left, looking for the best organic cropping methods. Right: Henrich Neiskenwirth from IMO Chile)

Dr. Fernandez sets great store by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The employees and seasonal workers on his farm are trained in organic cropping, receive above-average pay and can take advantage of the social facilities he provides for them. The farm already fulfils fair trade standards and in the medium term is seeking the corresponding certification. Casablanca Organics is certified organic by IMO Chile. (Picture below: Social facilities on the farm)

Fernandez is also involved in work for an eco association: in 1999, he was a founding member of the Chilean Organic Agriculture Association (AAOCH – Agrupación de Agricultura Organica de Chile) and maintains close contact with researchers and scientists at universities and institutes. Similarly, he considers a regular exchange of ideas with other organic producers to be very important, and he has good relations too with government bodies regarding advice and the promotion of exports. Through his good contacts, Fernandez and AAOCH have had an input in the development of organic legislation and standards in Chile. The AAOCH association has around 175 members.
(Picture: Employees coming to work on the company’s own bus)