Brazil rice growers disapprove of govt’s import plan
Brazilian farmers in Rio Grande do Sul oppose government plans to import 1 million tons of rice post-floods. Despite 250,000-ton losses, domestic harvest expected to meet demand. Fedearroz warns imports may deter future planting.
By Roberto Samora
SAO PAULO, May 8 (Reuters) -Brazilian farmers in southern Brazil have criticized plans announced by the government to import up to 1 million metric tons of rice after floods hit the country’s largest producing state, Rio Grande do Sul.
Fedearroz, which represents growers there, said on Wednesday domestic supplies should be enough as Rio Grande do Sul is expected to harvest 7.2 million metric tons of rice in the 2023/24 cycle, more than last year.
Rio Grande do Sul farmers had already harvested 83% of the rice area this season and still have the chance to harvest fields not affected by the devastating floods, said Alexandre Velho, president of Fedearroz.
Last season, farmers in Rio Grande do Sul produced 6.9 million tons of rice, he said.
Fedearroz estimates flood related losses at 250,000 tons. Velho said that if rice imports materialize, growers in Rio Grande do Sul will be discouraged to plant.
Source Link: https://www.xm.com/research/markets/allNews/reuters/brazil-rice-growers-disapprove-of-govts-import-plan-53833825
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