RS Harvest 2025/26: Vegetable crops maintain good productive potential.

Vegetable crops in Rio Grande do Sul generally show good productive potential, both for consumption and seed production, according to the Conjunctural Report released today (December 23) by Emater/RS. Despite the climatic challenges recorded throughout the season, especially excessive rainfall and periods of intense heat, the technical assessment indicates satisfactory performance in most producing regions.

In the Bagé administrative region, onion seed producers in Candiota and Hulha Negra are preparing for the start of the harvest. The crops are in the maturation phase and show good productive potential. Given the forecast of high rainfall volumes for the week of Christmas, some farmers are expected to bring forward the harvest of the most advanced areas as a way to reduce risks, considering the high added value of the seed, sold for around R$ 120/kg. Disease management has been the main challenge, especially due to the high incidence of downy mildew, favored by the rains recorded in August and September.

In Nova Roma do Sul, in the Caxias do Sul region, the onion harvest has intensified in recent days and is nearing completion. The crop cycle was delayed due to late transplanting of seedlings and lower temperatures during development, but the harvested product is of good quality.

In the Soledade region, the supply of fruits and vegetables remains stable. Producers who use shade netting obtain better results during this period of high solar radiation. Some mild-climate species, such as leafy greens and brassicas, face production restrictions due to high temperatures, but proper irrigation and plant health management has contributed to maintaining product quality.

In Passo Fundo, the good availability of soil moisture favors the cultivation of vegetables, especially brassicas such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The climatic conditions also allow for tomato transplants, with an average price of around R$ 10,00/kg. The second-crop potato fields are showing excellent development, with harvesting expected in the coming weeks.

In the Santa Rosa region, leafy greens more tolerant to heat, such as kale, chicory, and herbs, are being harvested. Tomatoes have finished their field transplanting period and, in a protected environment, are showing good productive performance. Pumpkin and squash are in the fruit formation stage. In Cândido Godói, producers report isolated losses in the quality of some vegetables due to high temperatures.

Garlic, green beans, and arugula

In the Caxias do Sul region, the garlic harvest is underway and should be completed in the coming days. The harvested product is undergoing a curing process in warehouses, with good bulb quality despite the rains during this period. Producers are monitoring price expectations for sales in 2026.

In Vale Real, in the Lajeado region, the green bean crop suffered impacts from high temperatures, with estimated losses of around 10% in productivity due to reduced flowering and fertilization. The crop is in good phytosanitary condition, although it required anthracnose control. The increased supply put pressure on prices. In Feliz, the harvest is proceeding normally.

Also in Vale Real, arugula grown in a protected environment shows good development and quality, with satisfactory sales. In Feliz, the product also has good market acceptance.

In the same region, tomatoes are grown both in open fields and in protected environments. In the protected areas, whitefly infestations are observed, causing sporadic damage, but, in general, the crops are in the fruiting and harvesting stage, with good quality fruit.