The tomato growers in the Spanish region of Extremadura whose plots suffered irreversible damage due to the impact of hail storms back in July will receive compensation amounting to 9.10 million Euro, less than two months after the incident.
This amount will also serve to cover the damage caused to the crops by rainfall.
The total compensation for damages caused to tomatoes in Extremadura (the main producing area of tomatoes for the processing industry) has been estimated to reach 15.5 million Euro.
Given the magnitude of the loss, and in order to provide the best service to policyholders, Agroseguro has advanced the payment of compensation to policyholders who are in the above circumstances; the rest will be payed out as the crop cycle comes to an end.
During the year 2016, very unfavourable weather conditions have been recorded for this crop - notably the heavy rains of May and the severe hail storms recorded in early July in various parts of the autonomous region of Extremadura.
Both situations caused damage to more than 11,500 hectares of insured tomatoes, spread over almost 3,880 plots. Badajoz has been the most affected province, and especially the region of Don Benito, where there have been incidents in 2,416 plots, which entailed more than 6,000 hectares of damaged tomatoes.
Given the uncertainty generated by these uncontrollable and unpredictable weather phenomena, Agroseguro's agricultural insurances are one of the best means the sector has to be able to deal with such situations.
Source: eleconomista.es