January 12, 2012

Brazil's 2012 crops may reach almost 160 million tonnes

The 12th estimate for Brazil's 2011 cereals, vegetables and oilseeds crop is 159.9 million tonnes, 6.9% higher than the 2010 record of 149.6 million tonnes and 0.2% more than the 11th forecast of 348,177 tonnes, published by the Brazilian Census Bureau (IBGE) in November 2011.

The forecast for planted area in 2011 is 4.7% higher than the 48.7 million hectares recorded in 2010, and 39,305 hectares higher (0.2%) than in the 11th forecast.

Brazil's three main crops (rice, corn and soy), which represent 90.3% of overall cereals, vegetable and oilseed output, accounted for 82.4% of harvested area in 2011 - respective increases of 1.7%, 3.5% and 3.3% against 2010.

Rice, corn and soy output rose 19.0%, 0.1% and 9.2% against 2010, respectively.

The 2012 cereals, vegetables and oilseed crop is seen reaching 160.3 million tonnes - 0.3% more than in 2011.