Mendoza Province revises hail‑damage assessment rules for large farms

The Dirección de Contingencias Climáticas of Mendoza Province issued Resolution 24, published in the official bulletin, to replace the 2025 regulations with a new Manual of Procedures for the 2026‑2027 agricultural season. The updated framework modifies the General Regulation of Assessments used by agronomic engineers to certify hail, frost and other climate‑related crop losses.

Key changes affect farms larger than 300 hectares. For each additional 300 hectares (or fraction), an extra perito (expert) may be assigned, and all peritos must conduct a joint on‑site inspection, divide the area, and produce a single consolidated assessment report, while also attaching individual sector reports. The landowner or an authorized representative must be present during the inspection, and peritos must evaluate all declared crops, record phenological stage, and note any prior or new damage.

The manual also refines sampling thresholds, requiring expanded analysis when loss estimates are uncertain or near 50 %, and updates damage tables for crops such as vines, olives, cherries, stone fruits, tomatoes, garlic, onions and peppers. These assessments determine eligibility for benefits under Provincial Law 9083 on Agricultural Emergency, triggering payments from the Agricultural Insurance and the Compensation Fund.