Mendoza's Association of Fresh Fruit Producers and Exporters (Aspeff) expressed its concerns to the Government regarding the damage caused by hailstorms and Zonda wind on the coming harvests. The entity said that more than 100 million kilos of pears, apples and peaches have been affected.
"The problem is deciding what to do with the fruit affected, as it is neither suitable for export, nor for fresh consumption in the national market. Chances for them to be absorbed by the processing industry at reasonable prices are very slim," explained Juan Riveira, president of the association.
"High costs prevent shipping the affected fruit to packing plants for their selection, making it impossible to rescue whatever fruit is still in good condition," he added.
The Minister of Agriculture and Industry, Marcelo Barg, assured that the damage caused by hailstorms has already been evaluated and that production areas in state of emergency will receive due compensation through the Agricultural Solidarity Fund.
Regarding the crops affected by Zonda winds on 24 December, Barg pointed out that the affected areas still need to be inspected, "but once the results are in, the response will be adequate."
"In general terms, we do not expect losses caused by Zonda wind, except in the case of apples. We are working along people from the various productive sectors," he added.
Source: Losandes.com.ar