A northwestern Argentina province will extend hail insurance to growers of fruits, tomatoes and olives, according to local news website Diario de Cuyo.

Widespread damage to crops and growers in San Juan province, especially from hail, has caused economic losses for the last few seasons. In 2009, the government of San Juan province extended insurance to wine-grape growers, and now that program applies to growers of other fruits, including melons and watermelons, tomatoes and olives, the website said.

The program could lessen the risks for growers and help with long term planning. The insurance would cover all losses on plots smaller than 8 hectares, according to the website. Losses on plots between 8 and 50 hectares would be covered according to a formula. Growers could insure each type of fruit they grow, the website said.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com