Coquimbo programme supports grape growers facing prolonged drought

INIA reports a programme supporting small pisco-grape growers in Coquimbo facing prolonged drought, ageing vineyards and inadequate irrigation systems. The initiative covers farmers in Elqui, Limarí and Choapa, combining farm-level diagnosis and planning with productive investment, technical assistance and training. INIA Intihuasi convened a coordination meeting led by regional director Francisco Meza to bring participating institutions and sector representatives together. The programme receives funding from Coquimbo’s regional government through the National Fund for Regional Development. Limited adoption of modern technologies is another problem identified in the report.