Brazil's grain harvest this year is expected to meet historic 2007-08 production levels, revealed Reinhold Stephanes, Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply.

According to a recent forecast by the National Supply Company (Conab), the 2010 harvest is expected to increase by 6.5% from last year, yielding a total of 144.0 million tonnes.

This performance is approaching the 2007-08 grain production of 144.1 million tonnes, the largest in Brazil's crop history.

"Brazil is an agricultural superpower, leading the world's supply of essential food commodities," stated Stephanes.

"We will keep a close eye on this year's harvest, as it is very close to setting a new record for Brazil. Crop production remains the major driving force behind our growing agribusiness exports," added Stephanes.

The improved harvest in the grain sector is partly attributed to increased productivity and steady rainfall.

Soy production has the highest yield potential with an anticipated rise of 18.2% to 67.57 million tonnes in annual production.