This year's winter has been harsh in Chile, with sub-zero temperatures between -6 and -10 degrees, known as the polar freeze, which has affected avocado and citrus trees, as well as most vegetable production areas.

According to farmers affected by the complex frosts, these frosts not only spread to various fruit and vegetable production areas, but lasted much longer than normal, causing hitherto unquantifiable damage to persistent leafy crops such as avocados, lemons, oranges and honey oranges. The frosts nationwide were long lasting and widespread, not only in the central and southern regions, but also in the northern regions in terms of the magnitude of the impact on fruit.

More worryingly, avocado trees are likely to be most affected as the next crop nears harvest in September.