The Chilean agricultural sector faces a shortage of around 300,000 workers during the main harvest period between November and April, threatening up to a quarter of national production. The sector generated roughly 1 million direct jobs and exported products worth about US$13.5 billion last year. "Between 20% and 25% of the harvest could be lost if we don't have enough labor," said one producer.
According to Antonio Walker, president of the National Agricultural Society (SNA), the situation mirrors that of other producing countries that rely on migrant labor during peak seasons. Former union leader and Gesex president Cristián Allendes explained that the shortage began over a decade ago and worsened after the pandemic. "If it weren't for foreigners, the local agribusiness would be severely affected and wouldn't be what it is today," he said.
The debate on regulating migrant workers has gained urgency. Data from Chile's National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that in June–August 2025, informal employment in agriculture reached 40.7%, with foreign labor accounting for 7.7%. Most migrants currently come from Bolivia under a Mercosur Visa agreement that provides a two-year renewable stay and work authorization. "This visa is free and now it takes 15 days to obtain," said Walker, noting that 92 Bolivians have entered since January.
Chile's producers are examining international models used to stabilize agricultural labor markets. In Spain, most seasonal workers are from Eastern Europe under the GECO program, which allows direct hiring from countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Australia and New Zealand also depend on foreign labor through working holiday and temporary work visa systems, while Canada and the United Kingdom have established seasonal worker programs.
Australia's Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) program and working holiday visas support labor recruitment from the Pacific and Southeast Asia. New Zealand operates a similar Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme for Pacific Rim nations. In the UK, the Seasonal Worker Visa allows up to six months of agricultural work. Chilean company Agrícola San Clemente has already implemented a rotational program allowing workers to harvest cherries and apples across Chile, the UK, and Europe within a single year.
Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) enables recruitment from Mexico and the Caribbean for up to eight months, while the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires employers to prove the absence of domestic labor availability.
Industry leaders warn that unless Chile formalizes and expands similar frameworks, its position as an agricultural exporter could be compromised, affecting both regional economies and future production capacity.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
