Agricultural sectors in South America face climate risks

Agricultural sectors in South America are facing significant climate-related challenges. In Argentina, a severe hailstorm on August 27 has impacted wheat crops, with preliminary estimates suggesting between 30,000 and 80,000 hectares may have been affected. The storm, caused by unexpected thermal shocks in the atmosphere, passed through several localities including Bellville, Marcos Juárez, and parts of Entre Ríos. This damage follows earlier losses in corn and soy and occurs as producers attempt to advance corn planting to mitigate the projected effects of a strong El Niño phenomenon.

In Chile, the focus remains on protecting fruit orchards from hail and microtornados. These weather events pose a critical threat, particularly during flowering and the weeks preceding harvest when commercial value is highest. Protection strategies being utilized or recommended include passive systems like anti-hail netting, rigid covers, and windbreaks, as well as active systems such as early warning monitoring and lightning protection to prevent total crop destruction.