Mendoza to sell or transfer anti-hail aircraft to municipalities

The Government of Mendoza is moving forward with a plan to sell or transfer the province's anti-hail aircraft. This shift aims to change the current crop protection model by directing resources more directly toward agricultural producers.

According to Minister of Government Natalio Mema, the aircraft are being appraised, and a public tender is a likely method for the sale. The province is considering options where municipalities or producer chambers could acquire the planes to maintain the system independently. Specifically, the municipalities of San Rafael and General Alvear may be ceded two of the four aircraft currently in the provincial system. The province also intends to make radarization technical resources available to these municipalities as needed.

This strategic change is part of a broader policy to strengthen the Agricultural Insurance and compensation mechanisms. Officials stated that the goal is to ensure funds reach producers directly to serve as capital for subsequent seasons, rather than investing heavily in active hail fighting which does not prevent all weather contingencies. For the 2026/2027 season, the Agricultural Compensatory Fund (FCA) is open for enrollment for registered producers with up to 30 hectares.