The Mediterranean Fruit Fly Thanks to its strict phitosanitary measures, Chile is the only Latin American country free of the Mediterranean fruit fly in its agricultural areas. When released, these genetically-engineered insects mate with the common variety, bringing reproduction to a halt. 7.4 million hectares are covered by native forests, rich in noble woods and slow-growth species. The utilization of these forests is regulated to ward off extinction and prevent indiscriminate felling. The mainstay of Chile's forestry activities are the plantations which cover 1.6 million hectares.
Forestry contributes heavily to Chile's export boom.
Leading products include cellulose, chips, sawn wood and logs, newsprint, boards and sheets. The fisheries industry has undergone dynamic growth. As a fishing nation, Chile is ranked third in the world. Chile is the world's second largest salmon exporter. In just ten years, exports multiplied 760 times, totaling 76,000 tons by 1994.