Brasil: lluvias en el estado de Minas paralizaron las cosechas

Last week in Brazil, heavy and continuous rains in the main producing regions of Minas Gerais delayed or even halted the harvest, leading to an increase in prices. 

The average price of the special Agata potato was BRL 150 (30 USD) per 25 kg sack in the wholesale market of São Paulo (SP), a 66.90% increase compared to the previous week; BRL 140.25 (28.05 USD) per sack in Belo Horizonte (MG), an 82.47% rise; and BRL 141.02 (28.20 USD) per sack in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), (+74.10%). 

The price increase is explained by the intense rains that occurred in the main producing regions of Minas Gerais and southwestern São Paulo. The heavy precipitation limited the harvests, and on some days, such as earlier this week, even interrupted them, resulting in a reduced supply of the tubers. 

This not only caused disruptions and price hikes in the country’s main markets but also paralyzed export markets like Argentina and Uruguay. 

Additionally, Goiás completed its activities at the start of the week, further contributing to the decrease in potato supply in the wholesale markets. The upward trend is expected to continue for the next few weeks with the end of the winter harvest and, according to Climatempo, with rains that are forecast to continue affecting field activities.