In 2013, Brazil harvested 188.1 million metric tons of grains, cereals, legumes and oilseeds, a new record and 16.1% above that of 2012. The production of soybeans (81.7 million metric tons) and of corn (80.3 million metric tons) were the highest  along the time series started in 1970. These products were attractively priced at the time of the summer harvest (soybeans) and of the second crop (corn - 2nd crop), encouraging producers to invest in the crops. Climate conditions also favored the development of these crops in the main producing areas, particularly in the Central-West. The extension of summer rainfall in Mato Grosso caused a significant increase of the second crop of corn in relation to 2012.

The value of production of the Brazilian agriculture reached R$ 232.5 billion, representing an increase of 14.0% in relation to the previous year. Soybeans participated with 29.7%, sugarcane, with 18.5%, and corn, with 11.5%. These three products accounted for 59.7% of the total value of production in Brazil. Of the 64 crops investigated, 33 decreased their production against 2012 and 31, increased. Cassava dropped 6.8% due to the drought started in 2012 in the Northeast Region, which extended along important producing areas in 2013. Nevertheless, the value of production grew 28.5% in relation to 2012, as a result of price increase. By increasing 36.6%, soybeans - together with sugarcane (6.2%), cassava (28.5%), rice (19.9%) and beans (11.7%) - were the crops that mostly contributed to increase the value of production.

These data are available in the Municipal Agricultural Production Survey (PAM) 2013, which investigated the main products of the Brazilian agriculture. The survey investigated 64 products, providing information for Brazil, Major Regions, states and municipalities. The complete survey is available on link https://www.ibge.gov.br/english/estatistica/economia/pam/2013/default.shtm.

Soybeans, sugarcane and corn hit record production in 2013

In 2013, Brazil hit a record harvest of soybeans: 81.7 million metric tons, more 15.9 million metric tons than in 2012, representing an increase of 24.1%. The planted area reached 27.9 million hectares, more 2.9 million hectares than in the previous year, reflecting the good prices practiced in the market at planting time. Mato Grosso was the main producer, accounting for 28.7% of the national production. The metric ton was priced at R$ 843.50, on average, against R$ 766.39 in 2012 and the value of production reached R$ 68.9 billion, 36.6% higher than that in 2012.

The production of sugarcane was also a record and reached 768.1 million metric tons, representing an increase of 6.5% against 2012 or more 47,013,157 metric tons.

Concerning corn grain, the Brazilian harvest increased 12.9% in 2013 over 2012, representing an increase of 9.2 million metric tons. As a result of the growing investments in the crops and the favorable weather in fall, the production of the second crop of corn substantially increased in Mato Grosso.

Despite the increased planted area, the harvest of wheat faced a sharp drop in the production as a result of the unfavorable weather in Paraná, which included late frosts. Led by Rio Grande do Sul, the other states registered important increases, contributing to the rise of 1,320,085 metric tons in relation to 2012 (increase of 29.9%). Technological advances were also recorded in this crop, especially in Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.   

São Paulo remained as the state that mostly contributed to the national value of production, though its participation decreased from 17.8% in 2012 to 16.0% in 2013. This state concentrated products like sugarcane, which increased the value of production by 2.9%, and oranges, whose value reduced by 3.2%, despite being responsible for 74.2% of the national production.

Paraná moved from the fourth to the second place in terms of the value of production (31.9 billion). Its participation increased from 12.3% to 13.8%, surpassing Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais. The production was 27.1% bigger than in 2012, mainly due to the increased harvest of potatoes, which appreciated 115.5% in 2013. Soybeans, which appreciated 64.7%, onion (50.1%), cassava (49.1%) and tomatoes (46.8%) also contributed to this movement.

By increasing 11.1% in relation to 2012, Mato Grosso moved from the second to the third position in terms of the value of production, whereas Rio Grande do Sul stood in the fourth position, by increasing its participation from 8.8% in 2012 to 12.4% in 2013.

Production of grains recovers from 2008 crisis

The value of production of cereals, legumes and oilseeds (grains) had been rising since 2010, recovering from the international crisis of 2008. In 2013, this group reached R$ 122.5 billion, posting a rise of 16.1%, which could not be better due to the climate conditions. Nevertheless, one more production record was established, since 188.1 million metric tons were produced in 53.7 million hectares, representing increases of 16.1% and 5.6%, respectively. Soybeans and corn represented 84.5% of this production.

By facing better climate conditions for agriculture in 2013, the South Region (73.0 million metric tons) resumed the increase in the production of grains, yet remaining in the second position in the national ranking, registering a harvest 9.7% bigger than that in 2012. The Central-West Region produced 78.4 million metric tons (0.6% more than in 2012), the Southeast, 19.3 million metric tons (1.2% more), the Northeast, 11.9 million metric tons (31.9% more), and the North Region, 5.4 million metric tons (10.7% more). Rice, corn and soybeans, altogether, represented 92.4% of the production and accounted for 86.3% of the harvested area. Compared with the previous year, it represented increases of 7.6% in the harvested area of corn, 11.7% in the harvested area of soybeans and a decrease of 2.5% in the harvested area of rice.

Soybeans is the main product in 40 out of 50 biggest producing municipalities

Soybeans was the main product in 40 out of the 50 major producing municipalities, followed by sugarcane in three municipalities, upland cotton in three municipalities and grapes, tomatoes, potatoes and corn, each one appearing in only one municipality.

By contributing with 0.9% to the national value of production, Sorriso (MT) was the biggest soybeans producer, accounting for 62.3% of the municipal harvest and for 4.5% of Mato Grosso´s. The first producer in 2012, São Desidério (BA) ranked in the third position in 2013, recording a reduction of 25.8% in the value of production. São Desidério was the biggest producer of upland cotton, despite the reduction in the productivity due to droughts and to the incidence of pest, which affected the crops. The prices were not much affected, as the cotton was of high quality.

Even with record harvest, soybeans shows lower average yield in 2013

As a result of the highest prices since 2006, soybeans hit a record harvest. 81,724,477 metric tons were produced, posting an increase of 24.1% in relation to 2012. This production was accomplished in an area of 27,906,675 hectares, which represented 2,928 kg/hectare. Accounting for 28.7% of the production, Mato Grosso ranked in the first position, expanding the harvested area by 13.4% (7,913,687 hectares). As a result, the production rose to 23,416,774 metric tons, 7.2% higher than in the previous year. The average yield of the crops decreased 5.4% in relation to 2012, changing from 3,129 kg/hectare to 2,959 kg/hectare. The drop in the average yield could be explained by the late rainfall at planting time and the excess of rainfall at harvesting time. Also, the area expansion used lands not previously used for agriculture, like degraded pasturelands. Fourteen out of the 20 biggest producing municipalities were located in Mato Grosso. By harvesting 1,926,930 metric tons in an area of 616,900 hectares, Sorriso registered an average yield of 3,124 kg/ha, 5.5% above the state average. The high technology used by the producers contributed to this productivity.

Ten out of 20 biggest producers of sugarcane are in SP

The national production of sugarcane hit a record in 2013 and reached 768,090,444 metric tons, in a harvested area of 10,195,166 hectares and resulting in an average yield of 75,339 kg/ha. The production increased 6.5% compared with the previous year. In São Paulo the harvested area of sugarcane reached 5,399,235 hectares and the average yield was of 80.397 kg/ha. By producing 434,079,735 metric tons, São Paulo was the biggest producer and accounted for 56.5% of the national overall. The production in São Paulo advanced 6.9% over the previous year, reflecting the recovery of the productivity of the cane fields. Ten out of the 20 biggest producers of sugarcane in 2013 were located in São Paulo. The biggest national producer, Morro Agudo (SP), recorded a harvest of 7.9 million metric tons.

Harvest of cassava is 6.8% smaller than in 2012

The production of cassava reached 21.5 million metric tons, representing a decline of 6.8% over 2012 and reflecting the continuous drought started a year ago in the Northeast Region, which reduced the planted area, the harvested area and the average yield, as well as the production of roots. Flour and table cassava increased their prices and became less accessible to the population. The harvested area was of 1.5 million hectares, while the average yield stayed at 14,080 kg/ha. In 2013, the six states with the biggest harvests accounted for 63.6% of the production, highlighted by Pará and Paraná, which produced 4.6 and 3.8 million metric tons, respectively. Bahia and Maranhão produced 1.9 and 1.3 million metric tons, representing drops of 15.7% and 13.4%, respectively, in relation to 2012, whereas São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul produced 1.3 and 1.2 million metric tons. The biggest national producer was Acará (PA), which posted a harvest of 304,000 metric tons. In 2013, the value of production of cassava reached 10.1 billion Reais.

South Region produces the second biggest harvest of rice in the series

The Brazilian production of rice stayed at 11,782,549 metric tons (increase of 2.0% in relation to 2012) and the average yield at 5,007 kg/ha (4.6% lower than in 2012). The harvested area reached 2,353,152 hectares, representing a reduction of 2.5%. The South Region was responsible for 78.9% of the national production, or 9,296,148 metric tons (3.7% more than in 2012), in a harvested area of 1,265,897 hectares (increase of 2.0%). The average yield of 7,344 kg/ha stood 0.1% higher. The biggest national producer (68.7% of the total), Rio Grande do Sul, produced 8,099,357 metric tons, in a harvested area of 1,083,863 hectares, generating an average yield of 7,473 kg/ha, 5.3%, 4.3% and 0.9% higher, respectively, when compared with 2012. It represented the second biggest production of this state, only below the record harvest in 2011. By producing 640,484 metric tons, Uruguaiana (RS) was the biggest producer.

Beans harvest in Bahia is 116% bigger than in 2012

Taking into account the three crops, the production of beans added up to 2,892,599 metric tons in 2013, registering an increase of 3.5% against the previous year. The harvested area was of 2,813,506 hectares against 2,709,485 hectares in the previous year, representing an increase of 3.8%. By recording 116.3% more than in 2012, the highest increase in the production took place in Bahia. Beans was raised all over the national territory. The six main states were responsible for 78.2% of the total production. Due to the smaller supply of this grain, the average price paid to the producer rose 7.9%, thus increasing the value of production by 11.7% in relation to 2012. By producing 678,105 metric tons and with a participation of 23.4% in the national production, Paraná remained as the main producer, though producing 3.2% less than in 2012 (700,371 metric tons). The biggest harvest of beans took place in Unaí (MG): 90 thousand metric tons.

Corn gets record harvest in 2013

The production of corn reached a record of 80,273,172 metric tons, posting an increase of 12.9% in relation to 2012. The biggest increases in the production took place in Mato Grosso, with 20,186,020 metric tons (increase of 29.0%), Rio Grande do Sul, with 5,419,780 metric tons (71.8%) and Mato Grosso do Sul, with 7,573,324 metric tons (16.9%). As the second national producer, Paraná produced 17,342,302 metric tons, which represented an increase of 4.8%. Other important producers were: Goiás (7,686,971 metric tons) and Minas Gerais (7,447,665 metric tons). Of the 20 biggest producers of corn, 13 were from Mato Grosso, four from Mato Grosso do Sul and three from Goiás. Sorriso (MT) was the biggest producer: 2,657,940 metric tons. 

Cotton harvest drops 31.2% in 2013

Upland cotton registered a reduction of 31.7% in its harvested area, which changed from 1,381,919 hectares in 2012 to 943,742 hectares in 2013, due to its underestimated price in the international market, coupled with the higher profitability of soybeans and corn. As a result, the national production decreased 31.2% and stayed at 3,417,196 metric tons. Mato Grosso was the biggest producer of cotton (participation of 54.6%), whereas Bahia ranked in the second position (27.1%). These two states were responsible for 81.7% of the national production. São Desidério (BA) was the biggest national producer (361 thousand metric tons).

Rio Grande do Sul surpasses Paraná and becomes the biggest producer of wheat

The production of wheat (5,738,473 metric tons) was 29.9% bigger than in 2012, in a harvested area of 2,087,395 hectares, 9.1% above that in the previous year. The average yield was 2,749 kg/ha, representing an increase of 19.0%. Responsible for 95.9% of the production with 5,501,542 metric tons (32.8% more than in 2012), the South Region was the biggest producer. It recorded a harvested area of 1,999,726 hectares (increase of 9.8%) and an average yield of 2,751 kg/ha (20.9% above that in 2012). Having harvested a record of 3,351,150 metric tons, 79.6% more than in 2012, Rio Grande do Sul was the biggest producer. As a result, this state became the first national producer. Paraná, which was surpassed by Rio Grande do Sul, faced an unfavorable weather, due to late frosts that affected the crops. The harvested area was of 1,059,032 hectares (10.1% more than in 2012), getting an average yield of 3,164 kg/ha (increase of 63.0%). Among the ten biggest producers of wheat in 2013, seven municipalities were from Rio Grande do Sul. São Luiz Gonzaga (RS) posted the biggest production (118,560 metric tons).

In an off year for coffee, MG increases its production by 0.4%

Considering the biennial nature of the production, 2013 was an off year for coffee, particularly for the arabica species, the most common in Brazil. Despite this, the Brazilian harvest of coffee reached 2,964,538 metric tons or 49.4 million 60-kg sacks, pointing to a drop of 2.4% in relation to 2012. The harvested area hit 2,085,522 hectares and the average yield, 1,421 kg/ha. As the biggest Brazilian producer with a participation of 54.0% in the national production, Minas Gerais produced 1,601,864 metric tons or 26.7 million 60-kg sacks, 0.4% more than in the previous year. Patrocínio (MG) produced the biggest harvest in Brazil: 52,386 metric tons.

Production of oranges drops 2.6% in 2013

By producing 17,549,536 metric tons, Brazil remained as the major producer and exporter of oranges and frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ). Despite this, the national citric sector had been facing severe difficulties since 2006, especially the sector geared to export juice. It dropped 2.6% in relation to 2012. Accounting for 63.5% of the harvested area in Brazil and for 74.2% of the production, São Paulo reduced its area by 5.1% compared with 2012. This state faced climate problems during blossoming. Considering São Paulo only, the production was reduced by 2.6% in comparison with 2012. Among the 20 biggest producers, 16 municipalities were in São Paulo. Casa Branca (SP) was the biggest national producer, reaching 693,690 metric tons in 2013. On the other hand, Paraná, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul increased their production by 6.9%, 3.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Geared to the fresh fruits and FCOJ markets, Paraná registered the third biggest national production, having increased its production area by 2.3% and its yield by 4.4%.

Production of fruits grows 10.2% in 2013

In 2013, the total value of production of the 22 fruits surveyed added up to 23.2 billion Reais, recording an increase of 10.2% in relation to 2012. By representing 22.0% and 20.5%, respectively, of the total value of production of fruits, banana and oranges were the main species. The value of production of banana increased 16.3% in relation to 2012. Cashew nuts (44.7%), mango (37.4%), lemon (24.1%), avocado (22.1%) and coconut (15.3%) also significantly increased their value of production. Among all the fruits investigated, orange posted the biggest harvested area (719,360 hectares), followed by cashew nuts (708,808 hectares), banana (490,628 hectares) and coconut (259,015 hectares). Petrolina (PE) was the biggest producer of fruits in Brazil. Its value of production added up to R$ 918 million (3.9% of the national total), representing an increase of 48.6% in relation to 2012. The production of grapes alone accounted for about 48.1% of the total value of production of fruits in this municipality, which also produced mango, guava and banana.