MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Breaking News from Pta. Arenas.

Headlines:
Magallanes increases lamb sales to EU
Tierra del Fuego peat survey.

Magallanes increases lamb sales to EU.

Magallanes Region exported over 5,000 tons of lamb and mutton in 2003, the majority of which to the European Union according to an official release from the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture and Customs. Of the over 5,000 tons, 3,563 tons were shipped to the EU, which represent 24,4% increase over 2002 volumes. Spain was the main client, 46%, followed by Portugal 30%, Italy 12% and the United Kingdom 4%. Official statistics also indicate that last year, 568,700 sheep were killed in Magallanes abattoirs, of which 428,190 lambs representing 75% of the total. This is slightly less than the 443,720 lambs of 2002. "Numbers indicate that in 2003 the number of old and new ewes dropped considerably compared to 2002", said Juan Jose Romero, the Regional representative of the Ministry of Agriculture. The number of ewes sent to abattoirs in 2003 dropped from 71,141 in 2002 to 57,465 last year; and the number of one year old females from 76,480 to 64,806. "This means farmers are holding back ewes with the purpose of a greater lambing season", added Mr. Romero. However in spite of less killings the average weight of lambs increased from 11,40 kilos in 2002 to 12,96 kilos last year, "because of the good weather and better lambing and pasture conditions", said Mr. Romero. Simunovic was the abattoir with the highest number of killings, 311,832, (46%), followed by Sacor, 129,915, (23%); Agromar, 53,975, (9%); Tres Puentes, 31,256, (5%); Trelkeaike 23,988, (4%) and Rio Side with 3%. In related news, the "Patagonia" abattoir, the former Sacor in Chilean Tierra del Fuego which was recently privatized has plans for expanding into beef. Juan Gysling, Patagonia manager said that "once we've done the necessary reforms we'll be requesting the European Commission to extend our (lamb) licencing to include beef". However Mr. Gysling admitted that the process of restructuring a government managed company to the private sector takes time, "efficiency and profitability are our objectives".

Tierra del Fuego peat survey.

A survey on the potential and possible commercial deposits of peat in Magallanes Region, Tierra del Fuego and adjoining islands was contracted by the Minerals Department of the regional government in extreme south Chile. Apparently the company began working last January and is expected to deliver a first report next February. The field work, analyzing depth and quality of the peat deposits, is complemented with air and satellite photography. The February report should give an idea of the areas with peat, estimated volume of deposits and the type of peat. According to the Punta Arenas press, contractors have already covered 60 to 70% of the areas marked for surveying including Navarino, Dawson and Riesco islands, and the Brunswick peninsula. Three are the options being considered for the potential peat deposits in the area: agriculture; industry, particularly cosmetics, and fuel. Apparently Tierra del Fuego peat was once very popular for gardening.