The Chilean Society of Animal Production (SOCHIPA) 50th Annual Conference, held November 12 to 14, brought together prominent international specialists to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector with academics, researchers, students, and industry representatives.
ChileCarne conducted exclusive interviews with the experts, who analyzed the factors that will drive global competitiveness, emerging health risks, the strategic role of biosecurity, and the keys to sustainable development in the pork and poultry sector in Chile and Latin America.
Interview with Brett Stuart, President of Global AgriTrends (United States)
Stuart is an economist, MBA, and president of Global AgriTrends, a leading agricultural analysis and forecasting firm. He worked as an economist for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, where he conducted studies on international trade in animal proteins. He has advised multinational corporations, pharmaceutical companies, exporters, banks, and government agencies, establishing himself as one of the most influential voices in global agri-food markets.
-In your presentation, you gave a comprehensive overview of the livestock sector. What do you consider to be the most decisive global trend that Chile should watch in the coming years?
The most decisive trend is the rapid growth in global demand for meat and poultry. Over the next decade, the population will increase by about 800 million people, and income will grow along with it. When both of these variables increase, the demand for protein rises. We anticipate that the world will demand approximately 62 million additional tons of meat and poultry. This requires producing countries to be more efficient, productive, and capable of expansion.
-From an international perspective, what macroeconomic and health factors are driving the main changes in global trade?
Diseases are a critical factor, and are having an increasing impact as international trade grows, which is set to exceed $110 billion USD by 2025. A lot of regulations were drawn up over a decade ago and no longer reflect current risks. This is why regionalization is a must: a country should not shut down its trade completely because of one isolated case. For Chile, which exports around 60% of its pork, a major health event could paralyze the sector so it is urgent to modernize regulations and strengthen risk analysis.
– What opportunities and risks do you see for Chile in terms of competitiveness?
Chile is highly competitive: it produces with efficiency, quality, and quick response time. Its biggest opportunity is to capture part of the growth in global demand. The greatest risk remains health-related; a critical event could halt exports. That is why biosecurity and regionalization are not just recommendations: they are a strategic necessity.
-How do you see China evolving as a key player in the pork market?
China will continue to be the world’s largest importer, but its consumption patterns are changing. Younger generations are eating more beef, chicken, and seafood. There is currently a domestic oversupply that is generating losses, but the market will adjust. Even so, demand still exceeds domestic supply, so the need to import will continue.
– Where do sustainability, animal welfare, and carbon footprint stand today?
They are unavoidable factors. Two paths are possible: one based on taxes, restrictions, and regulations; and another in which companies adapt to consumer demands. The latter works better because it promotes innovation and flexibility.
Chile has a great story to tell: it is a clean country with valuable resources and a responsible pork and poultry sector. It must communicate this more strongly so as to capture value in international markets.
– What role will technology and innovation play in the future of the global meat industry?
They will be essential. Advances in genetics, health, food efficiency, management, and traceability will make it possible to produce more with fewer resources, which is the essence of sustainability. Chile enjoys a very favorable outlook in this scenario: it meets high standards, is competitive, and shows a rapid capacity to adapt.
Interview with Marcelo Medina Osorio, Director of Institutional Relations, Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA)
With 25 years of experience at companies such as Cargill and Mars, Medina has led purchasing and sourcing policies in South America. At ABPA, he is the institutional liaison with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He was a special advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture and participated in government transition teams representing the poultry and pork sectors.
– What has been the main factor driving the sustained growth of the poultry and pork sector in Brazil?
The sector’s growth is based on a mix of really strong competitive advantages: wide availability of land and grain, skilled labor, favorable climate, and conditions that allow for high levels of production efficiency. This is coupled with strong public-private coordination and a long-term strategic approach that has facilitated investment, innovation, and export growth. These foundations have been crucial in positioning Brazil as a regional and global leader.
-What public policies have been key to making agribusiness more competitive?
The public sector understood that the private sector was advancing quickly and geared its efforts toward managing risks and facilitating industrial development, without undue interference. The sector is mature and responsible, and has taken on this leadership role with enthusiasm. This combination—a facilitating government and responsible companies—was decisive.
– What do you consider to be the strategic priority for Latin America in terms of biosecurity, sustainability, and animal welfare?
All three are essential and interrelated, but biosecurity must be the top priority. It is the first line of defense: it prevents pathogens from entering and spreading, controls outbreaks, and guarantees production continuity. This is the starting point for progressing toward sustainable models with fewer health losses, improved efficiency, and a smaller environmental footprint. Sound biosecurity directly improves animal welfare and meets international requirements for traceability, safety, and responsible management.
