Chilean fresh fruit industry assessing damage from earthquake
Chilean fresh fruit industry assessing damage from earthquake
The Chilean fresh fruit industry is assessing the impact of the Sept. 16 earthquake on production areas in northern and central regions of the country.
According to a statement released by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, it remains too early to deliver a full long-term analysis, but indications are that the industry has emerged with almost no damage.
An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck the northern city of IL lapel around 282 kilometers from the capital city of Santiago the evening of Sept. 16.
The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, known as ASOEX, has reported that to date there have not been any reports of damage to either packingsheds, cold-storage facilities or transportation links. Still to be confirmed is the state of infrastructure of the northern port of Coquimbo.
“There does not seem to be any impact on the fruit industry and the coming cherry and blueberry seasons should begin without any major interruption,” ASOEX Chairman Ron Bown said in a Sept. 17 press release. “Chile is well prepared for these types of seismic events, and growers and exporters will continue to make every effort to meet previously established shipping goals. At the same time, as an industry, we would like to send our deepest condolences to the families of those compatriots who have lost their lives in this earthquake."