Significant progress has been made in implementing the Sustainability Standard for the Prune Agro-Industrial Sector, an initiative that seeks to raise environmental, social, and economic standards throughout the industry’s production chain.
The work carried out in recent months has made it possible to strengthen technical support for companies and consolidate a certification process that continues to attract new participants, according to Pedro Acuña, executive director of Chileprunes, the trade association in charge of promoting this initiative.
At this stage—following extensive public-private collaboration that began in 2021—the program has focused on providing specialized advice, clarifying doubts, and supplying support materials to participating companies.
As a result, there is a high level of interest and commitment from the sector: eight companies are currently advancing in their certification process and another four will begin their formal application in the audit cycle scheduled for April 2026.
As part of the technical support provided during the final audit process, the program team visited the plants and held bilateral meetings with each company to review progress, answer questions, and validate the means of verification required by the standard. In addition, the Sustainability Indicators that must be reported to the Agency for Sustainability and Climate Change (ASCC) will be completed during the month of November.
In terms of communication, Chileprunes is reinforcing the broadcasting of audit and certification deadlines, along with developing specific material for primary producers, with the aim of strengthening their adherence and preparation.
Looking ahead to the coming months, the program envisages a series of key actions: expanding the Pilot Group, coordinating and attending the Field Day with producers, continuing to provide support during audits, and submitting the corresponding reports to the ASCC, among others.
At the same time, support, guidance, and monitoring activities for companies will continue.
This progress represents a milestone for the Chilean prune industry, which continues to position itself as a global benchmark in responsible practices, traceability, and sustainable production. More information is available on the program’s official website: www.ciruelacertificada.cl
