MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

World's fourth exporter of turkey

Chile is the world's fourth main exporter of turkey, behind United States, France and Brazil, according to the Poultry Farmers Association of Chile, APA, based on information from the US Department of Agriculture.

The performance of Chilean turkey farmers can be described as spectacular beginning in 1993 with overseas sales of 52.000 US dollars reaching 33,800 tons and an income of 36,3 million US dollars in 2003.

"This is particularly outstanding since Chile has no turkey tradition, no comparative advantages, a small domestic market and must import most grains from overseas", said Mauricio Serrano General Manager of APA.

The secret has been excellent sanitary conditions plus high value produce concentrating in demanding markets such as Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Britain and Tahiti among others.

APA's target for 2004 is 42,000 tons equivalent to 47 million US dollars, 30% jump over 2004. A similar expansion percentage is planned for 2005.