The South Australian Government will immediately work with Riverland growers impacted by yesterday’s hailstorm event to assess the damage to crops.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said initial reports from growers indicate the hailstorm damage is spread across a number of towns but with variable severity of impact across the Riverland.

“I’ve spoken to growers and some are reporting they have lost everything with harvest for early varieties coming in now, and others are reporting smaller amounts of fruit lost to damage,” said Minister Whetstone.

“November is a vulnerable time for industry to be hit by such a severe weather event with some dryland cereal crops still to be harvested, varieties in full fruit and early growth shredded off grapevines.

“The storm has damaged a wide range of crops, from grapevines to nuts, to citrus and dryland cereal crops.

“For farmers who have suffered extensive damage, the financial burden comes on top of the high cost of water they have had to pay to get crops to their current stage.

“Primary Industries and Regions SA staff will be commencing assessments of the damage to crops across the Riverland, with a crew to be based out of the Loxton Research Centre.

“If you require support or assistance please call the PIRSA Hotline 1800 255 556.  The State Government’s Family and Business Support mentors are available now to meet, listen, and connect primary producers, individuals, and regional businesses affected by the hailstorm to appropriate services and programs.”