The global rights holder of the Modi apple is giving its already-expansive licensee database a further boost, this time with one of Chile's leading produce exporters.

Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) has announced Dole Chile as its latest Southern Hemisphere partner, joining a list of organizations from the likes of Europe, Turkey, Serbia, Russia, Uruguay, Australia and the U.S.

Italy-based CIV is a consortium with an array of experimental fruit breeding programs and a focus on eco-friendly varieties.

The farming plan forecast aims to reach about 1,000 hectares globally in the next few years, of which roughly 80% will be located in the Northern Hemisphere.

CIV said around 30,000 metric tons (MT) could be produced annually with that planted surface area, achieving a favorable balance between supply and demand.

One key focus is coordinating strategies on farming procedures, marketing on a global level, supporting a cooperative and coordinating approaches between producers and trade members.

"We intend to fully support the development of environmentally sustainable Modi® International Project of the highest quality to satisfy every player in the supply chain, from the producer to the end user at international level," Modi Europa Consortium chairman Pier Filippo Tagliani said in a release.

Tagliani was appointed by CIV to coordinate the partners in this first phase of the international project.

Last month www.freshfruitportal.com spoke to Andrew Maughan of Freshmax Australia, who said the country's climate was ideal for production. He also said volumes would likely pick up significantly next year.

www.freshfruitportal.com