Grapes and potatoes drive fruit and vegetable production in RS

Rio Grande do Sul produces 2,88 million tons of fruit and 1,69 million tons of vegetables, according to the Fruit and Vegetable 2025 surveys, with an estimated R$13,4 billion and R$6,65 billion sold, respectively. The data, collected and released every two years by Emater/RS, was presented this Thursday morning (04/09) by the institution's technical manager, Luis Bohn, at the Extension Arena, in the Emater/RS Space at the 48th Expointer. The event was attended by Emater/RS technical director Claudinei Baldissera and Ceasa president Carlos Siegler. 

The most popular fruit is the industrial grape, with the largest cultivated area (42,40 hectares), production (839,58 tons), and estimated commercial value (R$1,4 billion), followed by oranges, bananas, bergamots, pecans, and table peaches. The most popular vegetable is the potato, with a production of 608,32 tons on 18,15 hectares and an estimated production value of R$1,8 billion, followed by broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, cassava, onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes. 

Based on information from Ceasa/RS, Conab and the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi), the surveys indicate an estimated generation of R$95,55 per hectare in fruit growing and R$86,57 per hectare in vegetable growing. 

Both fruit and vegetable farming play a strategic role in food supply, security, and sovereignty. "And the value added per hectare shows that both sectors are labor-intensive and generate income. Based on the information obtained, it is possible to propose specific public policies for the main fruit and vegetable chains in Rio Grande do Sul," emphasizes Claudinei Baldissera, Technical Director of Emater/RS.

The event also highlighted recent advances in the computerization of product entry systems and producer registration. This modernization will enable real-time data generation on production, harvest, and market behavior, facilitating the definition of joint strategies between Emater/RS and Ceasa to increase the competitiveness of Rio Grande do Sul's horticulture sector.

"Despite all the climate challenges we've faced over the past two years, we've managed to make progress on important modernization projects. The use of data and technology will help us plan and encourage this sector, which still has a lot of room to grow in Rio Grande do Sul," Siegler stated.

Innovation Hub

In response to this climate change scenario, the president of Ceasa stated that a Technology and Innovation Hub is being implemented in partnership with startups, producers, and wholesalers. "And Emater's role is crucial in generating and analyzing data. The initiative seeks to expand the use of technologies already established in other agribusiness chains to ensure greater productivity, quality, and family succession." 

This is a strategic issue, involving supply, income, and family retention in rural areas. "Society and the government need to view this sector with the same importance they give to grain production, for example," Siegler emphasized.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to give greater visibility to horticulture data and to intensify cooperation between Emater/RS and Ceasa, strengthening Rio Grande do Sul's production and ensuring quality food throughout the year.