Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) personnel doubled their work following an increase in illegal imports of forestry and agricultural products on the eve of the national holidays. So far he has managed to confiscate more than 77 potatoes.
From the company they stated that the products are imported illegally through unauthorized steps from Peru and Bolivia, the countries to which they are linked Chile has no phytosanitary agreements for the import of potatoes for consumption.
With that in mind, they explained it There are pests that affect potato cultivationsuch as bacterial wilt, potato blight, among others, which can lead to productivity losses of up to 70%.
Illegal imports of potatoes are mainly intercepted in the USA Arica and Parinacota and Tarapacá regionsEntrance doors for this type of products passing through illegal passages.
In total, SAG has intercepted more than 355 tons of forest products and more than 500,000 units of eggs to date. Many of them are marketed in the metropolitan region.
What did the authorities say?
The state director of SAG, Jose Guajardo Reyespointed out that secret income from products such as potatoes “They seriously endanger the health of our agriculture“since these interception measures could transmit pests that do not exist in the national territory, which could have an impact on agriculture and those who produce it, and ultimately on people’s health, seriously jeopardizing the food security of our country.”
Guajardo urged citizens to report such practices and always purchase from established companies. “Although many of these contraband products are sold at low cost, citizens should know that in the long run The damage done to our country is very serious.because pests and diseases can enter our country this way.”
