The Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Luis Mayol, stated that losses for the agricultural sector caused by frosts in September amount to 500 million US dollars.
"We estimate the losses for the fruit sector at 25%, which, using last season's prices as reference, amounts to approximately 500 million dollars, as a total of 50 million boxes are affected," said the Secretary of State, who also estimated the supply of vegetables to recover in 30 to 45 days.
Mayol used this opportunity to warn consumers against speculators, given the likely increase in the price of the affected products.
"This is an agricultural emergency, and it requires a special agricultural contingency," he stated.
It is worth noting that, last week, the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile (Asoex) quantified the damages for the sector at 1,200 million dollars.
"All the resources available, both regular and extraordinary, should be used to resolve this problem as soon as possible," emphasised the president of Asoex, Ronald Bown.
Source: Df.cl