The President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, along with the Ministers of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, and Public Works, Jessica López, announced the declaration of a State of Agricultural Emergency for 117 municipalities in the regions of O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío. The announcement was made in the municipality of San Fernando as part of the President’s visit to the areas affected by adverse weather conditions.

The President emphasized that the “state of agricultural emergency serves to provide resources for livestock breeders and farmers who will require significant support at this time. The state of agricultural emergency is framed within the public sector budget law and complements the existing assistance provided by the frontal system we experienced seven weeks ago. It will allow us to expedite the delivery of necessary aid.”

Allocation of resources

Minister of Agriculture Esteban Valenzuela highlighted the government’s investment in assistance to small farmers. “There is significant damage to producers near river basins, with winter crops such as fava beans, and also some production of melons, watermelons, carrots, and onions. However, let us remember that in the first week of September, assistance from the previous emergency assessment will be provided, ranging from $500,000 to $5 million (Chilean pesos) per farmer.”

“From the agriculture perspective, the most critical damage is related to irrigation; hence our coordination with Public Works. And in this regard, we want to emphasize the following: actions have been taken, with more than $20.000 million (Chilean pesos) in rapid contests by CNR (National Irrigation Commission), with the participation of canal and irrigation associations, surveillance boards, and also the support of over $7.000 million (Chilean pesos) from INDAP (National Institute of Agricultural Development) for small farmers,” stated the agricultural authority.