Atacama launches first regional biological pest control biofactory

The Atacama Region in Chile has launched its first biofactory for biological pest controllers. Located at the Liceo Bicentenario Ramón Freire Serrano in Freirina, the facility is an initiative by the Agricultural Research Institute, INIA Intihuasi.

The project aims to strengthen the use of biological pest control and develop technical expertise for regional agriculture. It addresses a critical gap in small-scale farming: the shortage of local biocontroller suppliers and specialized technical advisors. The infrastructure is part of the Peasant Family Agriculture (AFC) program, funded by the Atacama Regional Government.

A key feature of the biofactory is its educational component. Students participate directly in the breeding, management, quality control, and release of beneficial insects. According to researcher Alejandro Layana, integrating this facility into an agricultural high school allows for the training of future specialists directly where they are most needed.