Pablo Grau Beretta - Research Director

Pablo Grau Beretta

Co-founder & Research Director

Agronomist from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) with a PhD from Cornell University. Over 40 years of experience in agricultural research at INIA, specialized in European hazelnut and a member of the Technical Board of the European Hazelnut Committee.

Academic Background

1970s
Agronomy
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV). Strong training in agricultural sciences that laid the foundation for his career in agricultural research and development.
1990s
PhD at Cornell University
Completed doctoral studies at one of the world’s most prestigious agricultural research universities, specializing in agronomy and genetic improvement techniques.

Professional Career

1980s - 2020s
Lead Researcher at INIA
Over 40 years of experience at the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), where he led pioneering research in fruit and nut crops, especially European hazelnut.
2005 - Present
Co-founder of Vivero El Avellano
He applied his extensive research experience to co-found Vivero El Avellano, bringing science from the lab to the field with top genetic-quality plants.
2020 - Present
Member of the Technical Board of the European Hazelnut Committee
He has participated since its founding, acting as a bridge between growers’ needs and the research community. His work focuses on coordinating and linking scientific projects with real challenges in European hazelnut cultivation in Chile, promoting sustainable development and innovation in the sector.

Achievements and Contributions

🔬 Pioneering Research
He developed foundational research on the behavior and adaptation of European hazelnut to the Chilean climate, establishing the scientific basis for successful commercial cultivation.
🌱 Agronomic Insights
He contributed to the selection of European hazelnut varieties for Chile’s specific agroclimatic conditions.
🛡️ Hazelnut Health
He worked with specialists on early identification of the main pests and diseases that could affect European hazelnut in Chile, establishing monitoring and management guidelines that safeguard crop biosecurity.
🤝 National Coordination
He built alliances between researchers, public institutions, and growers to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions that strengthen Chile’s hazelnut sector.
🏆 Reconocimiento Internacional
Su trabajo ha sido reconocido tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, establishing Chile as a reference in European hazelnut research. He coordinated the VIII International European Hazelnut Congress in Chile in 2012.
🌰 Nursery Innovation
He applied decades of research to create a plant production system that guarantees genetic purity and superior quality from propagation.

Philosophy and Approach

"Agricultural research must go beyond the laboratory and reach the field directly. Every plant we produce at Vivero El Avellano is the result of decades of applied scientific research, ensuring our clients receive not only quality plants, but also the accumulated knowledge of years of development."
— Pablo Grau Beretta

Specialized technical advisory

Our expert team supports you at every stage of planting your orchard

Contact information

Phone

+56 9 8293 8212

Email

contacto@viveroelavellano.cl

Location

Chillán, Ñuble Region, Chile

WhatsApp

+56 9 8293 8212