Abstract

The main objective of this study is to identify and describe technological, economic and commercial breakthroughs on cactus pear production chain in Chile and provide recommendations for its development as fresh fruit for export. A survey was applied between September and December 2009 to 172 farmers located in the Valparaiso, Coquimbo and Metropolitan regions (representing 28.1% of cactus pear producers in Chile and 44.2% of cactus pear producers in each region). The survey was designed with multiple selection questions with valuation of affirmative or negative sentences using a Likert scale. The topics covered in the questionnaire were: productive resources, production management, marketing and socio-demographic characteristic of the producers. The statistical treatment of data was performed using multivariate techniques like principal component analysis and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Two groups of producers were identified and characterized: "traditional farmers" (70.9%) and "innovative and informed farmers" (29.1%). The traditional farmers have deficiencies in the production and commercial dealings. The second group was characterized for its positive attitude towards improving the competitiveness and to export cactus pear like fresh fruit.