Santam hosts global seminar on hail damage to apples and plums
SOUTH AFRICA – Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, will welcome over 60 delegates from around the globe next month as it hosts the 2025 Loss Adjusters’ Seminar.
This significant event, scheduled from February 24 to February 27 in Cape Town, will focus on assessing the impact of hail on apples and plums—a major concern for agricultural insurers.
Hail damage accounts for nearly 90% of Santam’s agricultural insurance claims, highlighting its critical importance.
The seminar, organized under the auspices of the International Association of Agricultural Production Insurers (AIAG), underscores South Africa’s role in the global agricultural insurance landscape.
“As a long-standing member of the AIAG and a leading agricultural insurance provider on the continent, we are very proud to have been chosen to host this event,” said Daniel Stevens, Executive Head of Agriculture at Santam.
“Africa’s contribution to the global agricultural insurance market is just 1% of the Gross Written Premiums, meaning our region remains underrepresented internationally.”
The seminar will offer a platform to showcase local expertise while highlighting the natural beauty of South Africa. Founded in 1951, the AIAG fosters collaboration among agricultural insurers by sharing knowledge and experience.
These gatherings are vital for improving risk management and damage assessment methodologies across crops.
The three-day event will feature a range of topics, including climate change, biosecurity, sustainability, and market challenges.
A central focus will be on the practical assessment of hail damage to fruit still on the trees. According to Stevens, “Assessing the damage after a storm has passed is crucial. The potential recovery of a crop depends on factors like the type of fruit and the timing of the damage within its growth cycle.”
Delegates will be divided into groups to conduct hands-on assessments of damaged trees, with their findings analyzed during discussions.
Stevens emphasized that such practical exercises are vital for ensuring accurate evaluations, which directly impact the livelihoods of farmers.
Santam’s commitment to precision in damage assessment is bolstered by its ownership of an experimental farm in Bloemfontein, an area central to its crop insurance clients.
“Having our own experimental farm allows us to simulate hail impacts and develop accurate assessment protocols,” Stevens explained.
Collaboration with farmers across South Africa further enriches these simulations, incorporating diverse scenarios across seasons and regions.
This global gathering is an opportunity to advance the science of agricultural insurance and risk management. As Stevens concluded, “Hosting this seminar reflects the trust placed in Santam’s capabilities and our dedication to supporting both farmers and the broader agricultural community.”
Santam hosts global seminar on hail damage to apples and plums
SOUTH AFRICA – Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, will welcome over 60 delegates from around the globe next month as it hosts the 2025 Loss Adjusters’ Seminar.
This significant event, scheduled from February 24 to February 27 in Cape Town, will focus on assessing the impact of hail on apples and plums—a major concern for agricultural insurers.
Hail damage accounts for nearly 90% of Santam’s agricultural insurance claims, highlighting its critical importance.
The seminar, organized under the auspices of the International Association of Agricultural Production Insurers (AIAG), underscores South Africa’s role in the global agricultural insurance landscape.
“As a long-standing member of the AIAG and a leading agricultural insurance provider on the continent, we are very proud to have been chosen to host this event,” said Daniel Stevens, Executive Head of Agriculture at Santam.
“Africa’s contribution to the global agricultural insurance market is just 1% of the Gross Written Premiums, meaning our region remains underrepresented internationally.”
The seminar will offer a platform to showcase local expertise while highlighting the natural beauty of South Africa. Founded in 1951, the AIAG fosters collaboration among agricultural insurers by sharing knowledge and experience.
These gatherings are vital for improving risk management and damage assessment methodologies across crops.
The three-day event will feature a range of topics, including climate change, biosecurity, sustainability, and market challenges.
A central focus will be on the practical assessment of hail damage to fruit still on the trees. According to Stevens, “Assessing the damage after a storm has passed is crucial. The potential recovery of a crop depends on factors like the type of fruit and the timing of the damage within its growth cycle.”
Delegates will be divided into groups to conduct hands-on assessments of damaged trees, with their findings analyzed during discussions.
Stevens emphasized that such practical exercises are vital for ensuring accurate evaluations, which directly impact the livelihoods of farmers.
Santam’s commitment to precision in damage assessment is bolstered by its ownership of an experimental farm in Bloemfontein, an area central to its crop insurance clients.
“Having our own experimental farm allows us to simulate hail impacts and develop accurate assessment protocols,” Stevens explained.
Collaboration with farmers across South Africa further enriches these simulations, incorporating diverse scenarios across seasons and regions.
This global gathering is an opportunity to advance the science of agricultural insurance and risk management. As Stevens concluded, “Hosting this seminar reflects the trust placed in Santam’s capabilities and our dedication to supporting both farmers and the broader agricultural community.”