August 14, 2006

Brazil increases corn and soy production

Both corn and soy production are up in Brazil, thanks to increased acreage, according to the 9th study by the National Food Supply Company (Conab). According to the organisation, rice, cotton and maize crops, propelled growth.

Corn production increased 16 percent to 31.7 million tonnes while the second crop increased 27 percent (over the second crop last year).

For soy, production grew 3.8 percent to 53.4 million tonnes.

The areas of soy and maize under cultivation grew.

Areas for the first maize harvest grew 6.4 percent and the second, 3.9 percent . Areas for the first soy harvest grew 6.3 percent and the second 9.7 percent.

The expansion of the areas under soy cultivation was largely due to the higher prices paid for soy this year.