Measure will trigger support mechanisms for growers and residents affected by recent heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds.

Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture has declared an agricultural emergency in 14 communes of the Maule Region, following damage to production caused by rains, hailstorm and strong winds, which have impacted various agricultural and forestry activities in the area.

The measure covers the communes of Talca, Curepto, Maule, Río Claro, Pencahue, and San Clemente in the province of Talca; Teno, Romeral, Curicó, Rauco, Sagrada Familia, and Molina in the province of Curicó; and Parral and Retiro in the province of Linares.

According to the technical data supporting this declaration, the weather events caused damage to various crops and productive activities in the region, primarily affecting the fruit and agricultural sectors. As well as crop losses, growers report compromised quality, waterlogged farms, and delays in agricultural operations, as well as phytosanitary risks linked to excessive moisture.

Visiting Talca last week, agriculture minister Jaime Campos said: “The climate has changed, the climate is changing, and we are compelled to adapt to this new reality. This is what I tell farmers: we will no longer be able to continue doing things the way we used to, because farming relies on the cycles of nature – and if nature changes, we must adapt our techniques and practices to these new realities. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of global warming and the El Niño phenomenon are clear demonstrations of what I am saying”.

The declaration of an agricultural emergency will provide access to support tools and resources for producers engaged in agricultural and forestry activities, as well as for rural residents affected within the municipalities covered by the resolution. The measures implemented will be subject to the procedures, targeting criteria, current regulations, and budgetary availability established by the competent authority.

Source - https://www.fruitnet.com