The School Feeding Program (PAE) benefits more than 1.6 million children and young people in Chile.
Junaeb
The Chilean Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) and National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (Junaeb) have presented the 'Del Mar a Tu Escuela' (From the Sea to Your School in English) agreement to promote the supply of marine products from artisanal fishermen in Chilean schools.
Through this agreement, the relationships between these institutions will also be strengthened through technical collaboration, study projects, diagnostics, exchanges, and assistance in their areas of common interest.
During his visit to the dining hall of Lothar Kommer Bruger Basic School in the municipality of Cerrillos, the Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Julio Salas, confirmed this initiative strengthens an activity of great social, economic, and cultural importance.
"It is an activity that goes far beyond the economic value it generates; it also creates cultural ties to our roots. Therefore, this agreement is a long-held desire that our artisanal fishermen have expressed for years," he assured.
In 2023, the modification of the General Law on Fisheries and Aquaculture came into force in Chile. The Chilean salmon industry valued this new law positively.
According to Junaeb, companies bidding for the School Feeding Program (PAE) have been encouraged to purchase large volumes of marine products from artisanal fishermen.
Regarding this, Juaneb's National Director Camila Rubio explained: "In Chile, we have an enormous coastline. We want those fish and marine products to reach kitchens and schools so they can eat healthily and nutritiously."
Finally, the Government aims to increase the current consumption figures and reach the global average of 20 kg per capita by 2027. To achieve this, fishing quotas for human consumption will be increased, and the value chain of resources will be strengthened
If you are interested in knowing more details about this law, check our interview with David Zaviezo, partner of Certes, a Chilean law firm specializing in aquaculture regulations compliance.
