SAG Los Lagos Begins Inspection and Certification of Certified Seed Potato Exports

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of the Los Lagos Region has commenced the inspection and certification of the first batches of seed potatoes for the 2026 season, a process that enables the dispatch of the initial shipments to both international destinations and the national market.

In the commune of Puerto Octay, SAG approved the first export batches, consisting of 25,000 kilograms of Atlantic variety seed tubers, produced by the company Semillas Llanquihue Ltda., destined for the Brazilian market. "This shipment is the first of a total of 1,200 tons of certified seed committed by this company for the current season," reported Francisco Briones, regional director of SAG Los Lagos.

The regional authority highlighted that the Atlantic variety has high demand in the Latin American market due to its use in the chip potato processing industry. "It is a variety highly valued for its genetic quality, varietal purity, sanitary condition, and excellent productive adaptability, attributes that are backed by SAG's official certification system," Briones stated.

Currently, three companies in the Los Lagos Region participate in the certified seed potato export process, located in the communes of Puerto Octay, Frutillar, and Purranque. The main export destinations are Brazil, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Panama.

"The Los Lagos Region is the only one in the country that exports certified seed potatoes, which reflects the high sanitary and productive standard achieved by this territory. Seed is the main input in the agricultural chain, and the success of cultivation largely depends on having quality plant material and guaranteed traceability," explained Briones.

The regional director added that SAG's certification system includes on-site inspections, supervision of production processes, traceability controls, and laboratory analyses, ensuring that the seeds meet demanding genetic, varietal, and phytosanitary standards. "This work not only strengthens the competitiveness of the agricultural sector but also contributes to safeguarding the country's phytosanitary heritage and preventing the spread of quarantine pests," the official specified.

Through the seed certification program, SAG seeks to promote the use of high-quality propagation material, contributing to increased productivity, the sustainability of agricultural systems, and the opening of international markets.

"The Los Lagos Region is a strategic pillar for potato seed production in Chile, thanks to its status as an area free of potato quarantine pests, its favorable agroclimatic conditions, fertile soils, and a solid certification infrastructure. All of this allows for the production of high-standard and competitive seeds for national and international markets," concluded Briones.

The certified seed area for the 2025 and 2026 season reaches 1,242 hectares in the region, considering nearly 80 varieties registered in the certification program. Among the main export varieties are Atlantic, FL-2312, FL-1867, Agata, Markies, and Asterix, oriented to different productive uses and requirements of international markets.

Of the total area established for the 2025-2026 season, a total of 305.35 hectares are specifically designated for export production.