The impact of drought will affect about 35% of fruit production

The survey conducted by FEDEFRUTA, the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile, among its members, measures for the first time the impact of drought on fruit production.

 

 

 

Fedefruta conducted a survey of its members and collected 375 responses from farmers across the country. The results indicate that 61.5% of respondents said that the current situation of their orchards due to the water crisis is "delicate" and 26% said the situation is "unsustainable".

 

 

 

Regarding the effects of drought on farms, in terms of irrigation, 59% of producers should stop irrigating at least 20% of their fruit tree areas. On average nationwide, about 35% of production will be complicated in terms of volume by drought this season, according to the survey.

 

 

 

The most affected categories are table grapes, nuts (nuts, hazelnuts, etc.), cherries, pome fruits (apples and pears) and citrus fruits.

 

 

 

Another lesson, the survey shows that 74% of producers had to postpone planned investments in their company (replanting, surface increase, packaging, etc.) due to the current water emergency.