Tomato production grows in Rio Grande do Sul, but prices fall.

Tomato production in Rio Grande do Sul is performing well at the start of the year, with crops being harvested and fruits of satisfactory quality in several regions of the state. However, the increase in supply, typical for this time of year, is keeping prices below levels expected by producers.

According to the Emater/RS Conjunctural Report, released on Thursday (15), in the administrative region of Caxias do Sul, the largest and highest quality tomatoes sold at Ceasa/Serra are priced between R$ 2,44 and R$ 3,00 per kilo. Despite this, in the general market, producers have been receiving R$ 40,00 or less per 20 kilo box, a value considered low given the production costs. The expectation is that the supply will increase even more throughout January, the peak harvest period, since most of the crops were transplanted between October and November.

Producers who grow tomatoes in protected environments are able to extend the harvest season until the beginning of winter, with transplanting carried out until January. Currently, however, frequent rains have made it difficult to carry out phytosanitary treatments and controls.

In the Lajeado region, in municipalities such as Feliz, cherry tomatoes are in full fruiting and harvesting season. Part of the crops are already in the final stage, but production occurs practically throughout the year. There are no reports of phytosanitary problems, and the fruits have good color and market acceptance, with prices ranging between R$ 6,00 and R$ 8,00 per kilo.

In Vale Real, cultivation occurs both in open fields and in protected environments. In open-air areas, the crops are nearing the end of the harvest, with smaller fruits and difficulties in marketing due to quality issues. In greenhouses, cases of pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and thrips have been observed, resulting in localized losses. In the municipality, tomatoes are mainly cultivated in two seasons: August, when the harvest is ending, and February. Prices at Ceasa (wholesale market) range from R$ 15,00 to R$ 40,00 per 20-kilogram box, while in local markets they range between R$ 30,00 and R$ 40,00.

Vegetable crops maintain good performance, with occasional challenges.

Besides tomatoes, other vegetables generally show good development in the state, although excess moisture has posed challenges in some regions.

In the Bagé region, especially in Uruguaiana, leafy greens have recovered productivity after losses caused by the heat at the end of December. With milder weather and the use of protected environments, crops such as lettuce and arugula are showing excellent development, while kale, parsley, and chives are performing satisfactorily. Pest control has been efficient, and demand remains stable.

In the Ijuí region, crops continue to develop well, but high humidity has increased the incidence of diseases and made fungicide application more difficult. In some areas, field-grown leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and cabbage, have lost commercial quality due to rot.

In Santa Maria, frequent and well-distributed rainfall has favored water replenishment and supports the good performance of vegetable crops, especially in irrigated fields. Leafy greens show satisfactory quality, with efficient disease control in specific situations.

In the Pelotas region, weather conditions have been favorable for soil preparation, planting, and crop development. Reduced supply and increased demand have raised the prices of various vegetables, such as lettuce, kale, collard greens, and parsley, in addition to a slight increase in the price of bell peppers. In Herval, the planting of Kabocha squash has already reached 90% of the planned area.

In Santa Rosa, after damage caused by heavy rains in previous weeks, producers reorganized affected areas, rebuilding garden beds and replanting seedlings. The most recent rains did not cause further damage and helped maintain adequate soil moisture levels. In addition to the more robust leafy greens, pumpkin, squash, and cucumber are harvested, destined for self-consumption or direct sale. Despite the good productivity of the cucumbers, the recurrence of rain has favored foliar diseases, reducing the productive potential. Prices remain stable.