Emergency protocols have been activated in south central Chile to save crops from unusually heavy spring rains.

With cherries bound for export threatened, four Ecocopter helicopters flew over the crops in the O’Higgins region in order to avoid and prevent the splitting, rotting or staining of the fruit.

“We are intensively supporting with four of our aircraft; two H145 and two B3 where the plantations are overflown to dry raindrops off the cherries immediately after the climatic event. In this way, we contribute to save expensive crops located in the cultivation areas between San Francisco de Mostazal and Pelequén,” said Francisco Arriagada, Ecocopter’s commercial manager.

This is a controlled flight at low altitude and speed, which accelerates the drying of the fruit, thus avoiding its loss. The helicopters fly over the plantations to try to prevent damage caused by rain, especially in agricultural products destined for export.

During 2021-2022, Chile exported 356,348 tons of cherries to different markets around the world. Of this figure, 313,237 tons were sent to China. Therefore, having fruit of the right quality, safety and sweetness, an expeditious logistics chain and favorable weather conditions are key for Chilean cherry shipments.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com