Emiliano Ortega

Emiliano José Ortega Riquelme (born 7 April 1937) is a Chilean politician who served as minister of State under Eduardo Frei Ruíz-Tagle's government (1994–2000).

He has developed the most part of his political career in the agricultural area.

Biography He earned a degree in agronomy from the University of Chile and later completed postgraduate studies at the National Agronomic Institute in Montpellier, France. He subsequently received a doctorate in rural economics from the University of Montpellier.

After being widowed following the death of his first wife, Isabel Margarita Casassus, he married Patricia Correa. He was the father of four children and the brother of former deputy Eugenio Ortega, husband of former senator Carmen Frei, and of the late priest Miguel Ortega.

Professional career His career also included numerous leadership positions in professional associations, including serving as president of the Chilean Association of Agronomists.

He authored several books on agriculture and rural development, as well as numerous articles published in Chilean and international academic journals.

Political career He participated in the agricultural policy program of the Ministry of Agriculture during the administration of President Eduardo Frei Montalva (1964–1970). and founder of what is now the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), originally established as the Reforestation Corporation (COREF).

He later became president of the Rural Education Institute.