The body, coordinated by the Valparaíso Regional Ministry of Agriculture, brought together various public and private institutions to receive more information on Small-Scale Aquaculture, with a view to the Agro-Aquaculture integration that has gained momentum through various projects carried out in the region.
Sernapesca led a discussion on Small-scale aquaculture (APE) in the Valparaíso region. In the event, representatives of various public agencies participated, such as the Regional Government, INDESPA, INDAP, FIA, SUBPESCA, CORFO, as well as the regional teams of the National Irrigation Commission and the Regional Secretary of Economy. In addition, professionals from the University of Viña del Mar and the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso also participated.
In addition to a detailed look at what it involves and how the APE projects are carried out, the focus was on the Agro-Aquaculture integration projects being carried out in the region, with emphasis on aquaponics, which integrates aquaculture and vegetable cultivation with hydroponic methods.
It was also explained how the national register of small-scale aquaculture operates, to understand how the current environment of the activity is, as well as how inter-institutional work can be promoted to encourage success in the productive management of the holders in the region.
Finally, a more detailed analysis was carried out of the reality and projects being developed in the Valparaíso region regarding Small-Scale Freshwater Aquaculture, highlighting the agricultural SMEs that are incorporating themselves into this practice and reviewing the needs arising as more of these centers are built in the region.
The Regional Director (s) of Valparaíso, Jaime Montenegro, valued the holding of this workshop: "I highlight the work of linking with the agricultural sector to promote these new small-scale aquaculture initiatives, which boost local production. The new challenges we face, such as the incorporation of aquaponics in small-scale farming systems, require that state agencies work in "set, not only to support users, but to all of us moving forward together to face these scenarios better," he assured.
