Brazil: Potato prices rise due to harvest problems caused by rains

Excessive rainfall in January and February 2025 negatively affected potato production in several regions of the country, especially in the South, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The excess water caused flooding, making harvesting difficult or even impossible, which reduced the quantity of potatoes available on the market.

Price variation by region

Below are the current prices for a 25kg bag of special agate potatoes in the affected regions:

Southern States

• Paraná (PR): The bag is sold at an average of R$ 60.00. The Guarapuava region, one of the main production centers, was severely affected by the rains, causing shortages that raised prices.
• Rio Grande do Sul (RS): Prices rose to around R$ 58.00 per bag. In São Mateus do Sul, production was compromised, leading to a lower supply on the market.
• Santa Catarina (SC): The average price per bag reached R$ 59.50. Conditions in Água Doce, an important agricultural area, were particularly challenging due to the volume of rainfall.

Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso del Sur

• Mato Grosso (MT): The potato bag was quoted at an average of R$ 62.00. The weather was also a major obstacle here, with rain damaging the harvest.
• Mato Grosso do Sul (MS): The average price rose to R$ 61.50 per bag. In Campo Grande, the increase was notable, with the inflation of the basic basket driven by potatoes in 2022, and the scenario did not change drastically in 2025.

Climatic factors and production

Heavy rains have a multifaceted impact on agriculture, especially on potato production. Not only do they make manual and mechanical harvesting difficult, but they can also give rise to diseases and pests, further compromising the quality and quantity of the product.

• Floods can destroy crops and cause significant losses.
• The quality of the potatoes may be affected and the tubers are more susceptible to rot.
• Reducing supply in the market causes prices to rise due to constant demand.

Market trends and forecasts

Prices are expected to remain high until the next harvest, which is expected to begin in June with the winter crop, brings a larger supply to the market. However, climate variability remains a risk factor. Experts suggest that investments in more climate-resilient farming techniques and better water management practices could help mitigate these impacts in the future.

Conclusion

The increase in the price of potatoes is a direct reflection of the challenges faced in the harvest due to the rains. Producers and consumers must pay attention to weather forecasts and market reports to adapt to these fluctuations. Institutions such as Cepea continue to provide essential data to understand and predict the behavior of potato prices in Brazil.