FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - BRAZIL (3 November)
Harvesting of wheat crops has been delayed by persistent rains, but it is anticipated that the crop will reach 3 million tonnes compared to 1.6 million tonnes in year 2000. The smaller second season maize crop (safrinha) is officially estimated at 8 million tonnes, compared to 4 million tonnes last year. Aggregate cereal production in the central and southern States of Brazil during 2001 is anticipated to increase from last year following increased plantings and favourable weather conditions. Planting of the important first season maize crop is underway. According to Brazil’s National Food Supply Company (CONAB), soybeans are likely to substitute maize crops this summer due to more favourable prices of the former. As a result, the area planted to maize to first season maize in 2002 is forecast to decrease by 12 percent relative to last year. Planting intentions of paddy crops have increased by 2 percent from last year.
Brazil is forecast to import some 7 million tonnes of wheat in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) and 600 000 tonnes of rice in marketing year 2001 (Jan./Dec.).