SC Harvest 2025/26: report indicates decrease in wheat area

The agricultural market in Santa Catarina continues to be marked by strong price volatility, weather pressure, and caution from producers in planning the next harvest. This scenario is detailed in the May Agricultural Bulletin, released by Epagri/Cepa, which points to a reduction in wheat acreage, firmness in the bean market, and significant fluctuations in the rice, corn, soybean, vegetable, and fruit supply chains.

O wheat It is one of the crops that most worries the sector. Despite the recent recovery in prices, a sharp contraction in the cultivated area is expected in Santa Catarina. In April, the 60-kilo bag saw an increase of almost 2%, ending the month at R$ 62,45, but still accumulates a drop of 19,46% in 12 months. The combination of high production costs, greater difficulty in accessing credit, and climatic risks associated with El Niño discourages investment. Preliminary surveys indicate a reduction of up to 30% in the area in the Far West, West, and Mid-West regions of the state.

No riceThe market reacted in April, with increases exceeding 9% in Santa Catarina and 6,5% in Rio Grande do Sul. Even so, the movement lost momentum in May, with stabilization and slight declines in prices. The partial average in Santa Catarina was R$ 57,35 per 50-kilo sack. According to the bulletin, the appreciation was temporary and motivated by low market liquidity, as producers remain hesitant due to prices considered insufficient to cover production costs. In foreign trade, exports show recovery in 2026, with growth of almost 111% in the value exported between January and April. In Santa Catarina, the harvest is practically complete, with production estimated at 1,26 million tons.

O corn It also faces market pressure. In April, the average producer price fell by almost 2%, closing at R$ 58,65 per sack. The progress of the summer harvest, the good prospects for the second national crop, and the expectation of high supply in 2026 are putting pressure on prices. The weather in May is considered crucial for the performance of the second crop in Brazil and the United States. Even so, strong demand for ethanol, animal feed, and DDGS exports helps to sustain the market. In Santa Catarina, the production of the last two harvests, estimated at around 2,6 million tons, contributes to reducing the state's deficit of the cereal.

A soybean The price of soybeans also decreased in April. The average producer price fell 4% in Santa Catarina, ending the month at R$ 116,90 per sack. This decline is influenced by Brazil's record harvest, estimated at 178 million tons by Conab, as well as the increase in global supply. The most recent USDA report raised the global production projection to 441,5 million tons. In Santa Catarina, the crop showed a reduction in area, productivity, and production. The state's harvest is expected to total 2,89 million tons, with the possibility of exceeding 3 million tons considering the second harvest.

Na FRUITCULTUREThe banana market showed distinct behaviors among varieties. The Cavendish banana fell by 20% between March and April, pressured by the greater supply stimulated by high temperatures since the summer. The Prata banana, on the other hand, saw a slight increase of 2,4%, supported by the lower availability of the fruit. Total state production is expected to grow by 0,24% in the 2025/26 harvest, driven by an increase in cultivated area.

O garlic The agricultural sector in Santa Catarina continues to face profitability difficulties. Despite increased sales, prices fell in April due to oversupply domestically and imports. The price paid to producers dropped 11%, to R$ 6,75 per kilo, remaining below the cost of production. The sector is also closely monitoring the potential impacts of El Niño on planting scheduled for June and July.

In the opposite direction, the onion Santa Catarina's product gained market share during the national off-season. Strong demand raised the average price to producers by 23%, to R$ 2,06 per kilo. The stored product maintains good quality, although there are occasional reports of losses due to disease and peel deterioration.

O bean It remains one of the positive highlights of the Santa Catarina agricultural market in terms of prices. In April, carioca beans appreciated by 9,23%, averaging R$ 259,29 per 60-kilo sack, while black beans rose by 2,18%. The increase reflects the lower national supply, caused by a reduction in planted area and climatic problems in important producing regions.

According to Epagri/Cepa analyst João Rogério Alves, the trend is for prices to remain high due to supply restrictions. "The instability of prices also affects decision-making in the field and reduces planting intentions, creating, even with cultivation in three harvests throughout the year, periods of scarcity for carioca and black beans," he stated.

In Santa Catarina, the crop suffered a strong climatic impact in both harvests. In the first harvest, the planted area fell by 24%, while production is expected to decline by 26,6%. In the second harvest, the reduction in area exceeds 40%, reflecting the high climatic risk and the caution of producers. The excessive rainfall at the end of April is also generating concern in important producing regions, such as Chapecó, Xanxerê and Curitibanos, due to the risk of delays in harvesting and losses in quality.