According to the Argentinean agricultural federation tunnels and other structures were ripped up by two hours of high winds which were swiftly followed by hail.

Producers in the area are appealing to the country's agricultural emergency committee for aid as the inclement weather has threatened a trial export shipment of the fruit to France and Germany.

Their problems are further complicated by the expense of the agrochemical treatments required to save their crops following the collapse of the Argentinean peso earlier this year.

The strawberry season in this central Argentinean region runs from June to December reaching its peak this month. Some 250ha are under production.

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