Ranchers from Pampa del Tamarugal and Quillagua Receive 46 Tons of Fodder to Face Public Health Crisis

To support ranching activity in Pampa del Tamarugal, local ranchers received 37.5 tons of palletized alfalfa to feed their sheep and goats. These ranchers and farmers traditionally sell their animals during the La Tirana Festival, which was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 public health emergency, thus leaving them with the challenge of feeding their sheep and goats. The donation is designed to ease the effects of the crisis.

The contribution was made by SQM through its “Atacama Tierra Fértil” agricultural program and helps consolidate the tight bond the mining company has with local ranchers. The second of its kind this year, the donation aims to fortify the circular economy of families that make a living from ranching.

Pablo Pisani, Director of Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs at SQM, commented: “In response to the public health contingency we are facing, we are boosting our contribution to the communities that have been hardest hit by this new reality. We know it is a complex situation and, therefore, are focusing on strengthening their activities, accompanying them and making new contributions.”

The executive added: “In addition to donating fodder, next we will donate 4 autonomous shredders they can use to prepare feed for their animals. Likewise, each rancher will also receive a veterinary kit with the necessary supplies to heal sick animals. They will also receive technical advising from a veterinarian.”

Teófilo Ticuna, treasurer of the La Tirana Ranchers Association, appreciates the company’s efforts with local ranchers and farmers. “SQM is always listening to our needs and these contributions are very relevant, since the situation of the ranchers in Pampa del Tamarugal is very specific and difficult. In recent years not much feed has been produced from local vegetation and we are especially hopeless because we were unable to sell our animals during the La Tirana Festival. Our objective is to strengthen ranching in Pampa del Tamarugal. After all, despite the fact that people have other activities, ranching and farming will always be a part of our community.”

Alfalfa and Corn for Quillagua
A group of 37 ranchers from the Aymara indigenous community in Quillagua also benefited from an SQM donation of 5 tons of alfalfa and 4.25 tons of corn, enabling them to feed their horses, llamas, sheep, geese, doves, chickens, ducks and other livestock.
This is the second such contribution from the mining company, following another donation of 8 tons of animal feed.