Background
The Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (SNA) was established in 1838 (second in the world after England), only 20 years after Chile became a Republic. It is the national single voice for the Chilean agricultural sector and is a private and non-profit organization which is integrated by medium and large farmers and almost all of the regional farmer´s associations.

In Chile, agriculture and livestock productions represents 7% of the GDP and employs 15% of the country´s labor force. It also represents a vital export sector, mainly in horticultural products, fruits, seeds and wine. Beef, pork, poultry, milk and grain productions are also highly technified.

The SNA promotes the sustained economic, technological, social and environmental development of the rural sector.

Through the years, the SNA Board of Directors has been integrated by former Presidents, State Secretaries, relevant entrepeneurs and important representatives of the Chilean society. Its headquarter is in the capital of Chile, Santiago.

The Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura has supported the creation of the

• Ministry of Agriculture
• first Saving Fund
• Biological Institute
• Chilean Manufacturers Association
• School of Arts & Crafts.

SNA initiated, and maintains, the Livestock Genealogic Registers. SNA also created the Veterinary Hospital, Farm Schools in almost every country region, the Experimental and Research Station, the most important Exhibition Center in Latin America as well as the first Agricultural Publication.

Since its foundation, in 1838, the SNA has also made significant contributions to the country´s development, by promoting technological transference to farmers and many specific agricultural programs, the defense of farmers rights and also welfare plans for agricultural workers.

The SNA guild area is focused to advise and defend the rural sector as such and the right to farm, to provide support and information, different types of services to farmers, and the administration of its technical schools along the country through its Educational Foundation. Communications with the rural sector and the rest of the society is accomplished by a monthly technical and guild publication, a weekly "fax news", two radio stations covering almost the entire country, a public library, seminars, meetings and other media.

The aims of the Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura is to contribute to create the most favourable conditions for the development of the country and its people and to maximize net returns to farmers.

The organization is economically supported by a commercial area which runs more than 30 fairs and exhibitions each year, the AM/FM radio stations, the Experimental and Research Station, fees from members, paid services, and genealogical records of livestock.

BIOGRAPHY
Ricardo Ariztía De Castro

Mr Ricardo Ariztía, Chilean and aged 54, is married to María Cristina Tagle and has two daughters and one son. He obtained his degree as Ingeniero Agrónomo at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago. His family has been related, for many generations, to farm businesses.

As a farmer entrepeneur in the central valley of Chile, Mr Ariztía produces mainly fruits for export purposes, grain, swine and beef cattle. He is founder and co-owner of Agroriego, a company specialized in manufacturing irrigation systems, machinery and which also acts as technical advisor in this field.

He is Past-President of Fedefruta, the National Fruit Council. As member of the Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura, he was appointed Director in 1993 and became elected President in April 1997.

For many years he has been related to the guild activity and has represented his country in national and international meetings and conferences.