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First Productive and Timber Committee Established in Capitán Prat Province

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• Led by INFOR in collaboration with local producers, this first collective productive organization in the forestry sector has been created.

The Forestry Institute (INFOR), through its Patagonia office, promoted the formation of the "Nativos del Baker Productive and Timber Committee" under the FNDR Program for Technological Transfer for Forestry Development, which is carried out by the institution under the Ministry of Agriculture. This marks a significant advancement for the province in these areas.

The Committee is the result of joint efforts between INFOR, the Regional Government, the Municipality of Cochrane, and nearly 20 local producers, including loggers, firewood producers, furniture makers, and artisans. They gathered at the Wood Processing, Storage, and Collection Center (CEAM) in Cochrane to celebrate the creation of this first collective productive organization in the forestry sector.

Jaime Salinas, manager of INFOR Patagonia, emphasized that the creation of this Committee "represents a fundamental step forward for the development of the forestry sector in our region, as it will not only consolidate the efforts of our producers but also establish a solid platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange."

He also stated that "through joint work with INFOR and the commitment of its members, we hope to drive innovation and growth in the sector. The incorporation of new technologies and adaptability to future regulations, such as the Biofuels Law, will be crucial for the continued success of our initiatives."

The meeting in Cochrane, attended by stakeholders from the communes of Villa O’Higgins, Caleta Tortel, and Cochrane, marked an important milestone with the establishment of the "Capitán Prat Productive Forestry Committee." Nelson Gallardo (logger, firewood producer, artisan) will serve as president, Fabiola Olivares (firewood producer) as secretary, and Roberto Vidal (logger, firewood producer, furniture maker, artisan) as treasurer.

Committee President Nelson Gallardo thanked the initiative and valued "the ongoing support from INFOR toward us as producers," stressing that its formation "is a testament to shared commitment and the strengthening of the forestry sector's work."

Gallardo added that this initiative will allow them to "work collaboratively to consolidate and expand our activities. The goal is to incorporate more and newer technologies through available funds. With INFOR's support and the effort and commitment of all members, I am confident we will achieve new milestones and contribute to the sector's growth in our province."

Key to this process has been the implementation of the "Productive Development Transfer Program for the Forestry Sector of Capitán Prat Province," executed by INFOR and funded by the Regional Government and its council. After months of work, this program has enabled workshops, training sessions, machinery loans, and technical tours, fulfilling its objective of fostering a unified and progressive vision among beneficiaries and sector producers.

The Committee's work is expected to become a key player in the regional forestry roundtable and maintain continuous contact with relevant sector institutions, especially ahead of the imminent enforcement of the Biofuels Law in 2025.