Brazil: Potato price reached its highest point in 10 years

The price of potatoes in Brazil reached the highest level in the last 10 years. Farmers say that this increase is due to the reduction in the planted area and the lack of product on the market.

A producer from Vargem Grande do Sul, within São Paulo, at the border of Minas Gerais (Brazil), noted that the harvest began 20 days ago with prices doubling those from the same period last year. A sack of 50 kilos that was sold in July 2012 for some R $25 (USD 11) is currently being traded at R $65 (USD 29).

The production goes hand in hand with the consumption. As in the past three years, the crop had different moments of crisis, and there wasn't a decrease in the area and the amount of seed. That has now led to a rise in prices, says the producer to the Brazil's Rural Channel.

About 10,000 tonnes of potatoes will no longer be produced because of the reduction in acreage in the region of Vargem Grande do Sul. The region offers potatoes to Southern and Southeastern areas of the country.

The growing season lasts about 90 days. The delayed planting will increase supply and, therefore, the price of the bag must be around R $50 (USD 22).

Source: Freshplaza