The Villarrica volcano, located in southern Chile, erupted violently on Tuesday around 03.00 local time, spewing ash and gases and expelling lava for about three hours.
"I know there are some properties near the volcano and I imagine that this may have brought the harvest to a halt for a few days, as there are still some late varieties," explains Andrés Armstrong, manager of the Chilean Blueberry Committee.
The Villarrica, one of the four most active volcanos in South America, has a 200 metre wide crater and had not erupted since 2000
Andrés denied that the event could cause a material impact on the volume to be harvested this year, which will grow between 15% and 20% compared to the previous season, exceeding 90,000 tonnes.
"A red alert was issued in the areas closest to the volcano, but the fields nearby are not at risk. Furthermore, it has not been as harmful as the eruption of the Cordón Caulle, since it did not release as much ash," states Andrés.
While there was still a red alert yesterday (Wednesday), the volcano is gradually going back to normal.
"There is still a set of security protocols in place, but the infrastructure and roads are functioning normally, so there should be nothing to worry about," said the Minister of Public Works, Carlos Undurraga.