Brazil consolidates its position as the second soybean producer in the world

Climate problems hindered the expectations of Brazil that overcame the United States in soybean production, but continue in second place, according to the evaluation of Agricultural Policy Secretary of the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry, Neri Geller.

 

"In the last ten years, we have grown in an extraordinary way, both recovering from degraded pasture areas (reuse of previously used pasture areas by livestock) and mainly in productivity per hectare." said Geller.

 

According to him, the Government stimulated production with support for marketing, credit and insurance. "Unfortunately we have had climate problems that hindered this expectation to overcome the United States, but we have a very big potential. For sure, in the next few years the Brazilian agriculture will continue giving economic support to the country”, he added.

 

Last week, the national supply company, Conab, released the sixth survey of grain production of the 2013/2014 crop. Soybeans should generate harvesting of 85.4 million tons in the 2013/2014 crop, with growth of 4.8% compared to 2012/2013 (81.5 million tons). But in comparison with the previous survey from Conab, there was a reduction in the estimate of soybean production, which stood at 90 million tons. The reason for this reduction in anticipation of production of 2.5% is the climate problems. 

 

"When our technicians were in the field, it was at the peak of a drought in the South of the country, mainly in the State of Paraná, and also when there was strong rain in Mato Grosso. The rain lasted for five or six days and caused damages." he said. However, according to Geller, after those rainy days in Mato Grosso, the weather changed and producers began harvesting soybeans. "In Paraná there was loss due to the drought, but thanks to the large production in Rio Grande do Sul there may be some recovery." he added. Geller also said that the next survey can indicate stability or recovery.

 

In total, the country is expected to reap 188.7 million tons of grain in 2013/2014, with an increase of 0.7% in relation to the last harvest (187.4 million tons). The total area for the planting of grain expected to reach 55 million hectares, which represents an increase of 4% in relation to the area of 53.28 million hectares of the crop 2012/2013. Soybeans had greater growth, with an increase of 7.4% in planted area, from 27.7 to 29.8 million hectares.