Impact of Climate on the Fruit and Vegetable Market
The beginning of last week was marked by intense rains in the potato-producing regions of Guarapuava (PR) and in important areas of Minas Gerais. According to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), this climatic event significantly hindered the harvest, resulting in a lower supply of the tuber and, consequently, an increase in prices.
Between February 3rd and 7th, the price of special agate potatoes in the wholesale market of São Paulo (SP) registered an increase of 6.04%, being traded at R$ 58.16 per 25 kg bag. The increase was even more significant in Belo Horizonte (MG), with an average price of R$ 57.23/bag (an increase of 11.8%), and in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), where the bag reached R$ 56.25 (an increase of 10.2%).
The São Paulo market showed the smallest price variation, as part of its supply has been supplemented by production from Rio Grande do Sul. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the climate has been more favorable for harvesting, helping to mitigate the effects of reduced supply in other regions.
The harvest was hampered in the regions of Guarapuava and Minas Gerais.
The market was the least impacted, as part of its demand is supplied by production from Rio Grande do Sul.
The rains negatively impacted the potato harvest in the main producing regions, generating a cascade effect on wholesale prices. The situation demonstrates the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to extreme weather events and the importance of diversifying supply sources to ensure market stability.
