CHILEAN WALNUT INDUSTRY

CHILEAN WALNUT INDUSTRY

The strong rainstorms experienced in Chile this month had a dramatic effect on the walnut industry.
This year, Chile experienced the greatest amount of precipitation for the month of April in the last 65 years. Rainfall was 1,900% above average compared to a regular year. Walnuts were probably the export industry that was most affected by this disaster.
The two main varieties of walnut produced in Chile are Chandler and Serr, with a total planted area of more than 40,000 hectares. Early production estimates for this year were at 80,000 tons. However, the strong storms that began right when the harvest was starting completely changed the situation. First of all, production suffered serious effects in terms of volume, dropping from 80,000 tons to 65,000 (a 19% drop), especially affecting the Chandler variety. When the rain began, 80% of the Serr variety has been harvested, but the Chandler variety ran into serious trouble, as only 25% had been harvested.

Source : Chilean Walnut Commission