Chile declares agricultural emergency in 14 Maule municipalities after severe storms

Chile's Ministry of Agriculture has declared an agricultural emergency in 14 municipalities of the Maule Region following severe weather during October 2026. The decision aims to facilitate assistance for affected farmers and rural communities, according to Frutas de Chile.

The emergency covers Talca, Curepto, Maule, Río Claro, Pencahue and San Clemente in Talca Province; Teno, Romeral, Curicó, Rauco, Sagrada Familia and Molina in Curicó Province; and Parral and Retiro in Linares Province.

Technical assessments identified production losses and deterioration in crop quality, particularly in the fruit and agricultural sectors. Waterlogged soils have also delayed field operations, while excessive moisture has increased the risk of plant diseases.

Agriculture Minister Jaime Campos visited Talca to assess the situation and confirmed that the declaration had been signed. He identified the Colín area in Maule as one of the hardest hit.

The emergency declaration enables the authorities to introduce support measures for affected producers. However, the assistance available will depend on eligibility criteria, existing regulations and budget resources.

Campos also stressed that farmers would need to adapt their production practices to increasingly variable weather conditions.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl