The Chilean Ministry of Agriculture reported that small farmers in the regions of Maule, Ñuble, Bio-Bio, La Araucanía and Los Ríos have been affected by forest fires, resulting in a total of 3,507 hectares damaged.
The fire primarily affected cherry, lime and blueberry crops and also destroyed essential infrastructure and agricultural machinery, which could have a long-term impact on field operations.
The Chilean Federation of Fruit Producers (FEDEFRUTA) has taken action on the matter, carrying out a census to identify specific needs by region, so that authorities can support the affected farmers as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Agriculture report indicates that the area potentially affected by the forest fires in these five Chilean regions is 413,000 hectares, which comprises fields, native forests, grasslands, bodies of water, wetlands and urban areas, among others.
Of this figure, 55,313 hectares correspond to potential agricultural land (most of them without crops), although only 3,507 hectares of crops have been damaged so far.
The Ministry also reports that the fires have destroyed 6,863 linear kilometers of wire fencing, 137 corrals, 902 warehouses and sheds, 357 greenhouses, 864 hectares of irrigation systems, 254 irrigation huts, 395 accumulation works and 46 wells and norias. In addition, 50 work vehicles, 87 pieces of agricultural equipment and 335 agricultural implements have been lost.
Last but not least, it is estimated that in the regions involved, 90% of the beehives have experienced some damage.
Climate change and drought, terrain orography, the influence of invasive plant species and abandonment of the countryside are some of the factors that explain why forest fires in Chile have been particularly destructive in 2023.
Considering these factors, the authorities must take preventive measures in the O’Higgins and Maule regions, where the potential for fires is also high. Additionally, the Chilean government has banned agricultural and trash burning until the end of March.
In times of uncertainty, such as when adverse situations affect production, it is critical to have resources to help growers move forward. If you are a grower and need Pre-Season financing to ensure the success of your crop, we invite you to learn about ProducePay’s financing services.
Sources: Minagri, BBC, Portal Frutícola
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