Soybeans have been gaining more and more space in Santa Catarina’s export list. In the first two months of 2019, the state shipped 229.5 thousand tons of soybean grain, bran and oil – an increase of 58% compared to the same period last year. Revenue from exports from the soybean complex exceeds US$ 85.3 million. The numbers are part of the Agricultural Bulletin prepared by the Center for Socioeconomics and Agricultural Planning (Epagri/Cepa).
In February alone, Santa Catarina exported 138.9 thousand tons of soybean complex, 152% more than the previous year. In revenue, the increase was also significant, US$ 49.2 million were generated, more than double the revenues in February 2018.
“Agribusiness in Santa Catarina has been demonstrating its strength and conquering the international market. The sector accounts for a large part of Santa Catarina's exports, with emphasis on meat and now soy products. A sign that we are on the right path, that Santa Catarina products are recognized for their quality and the professionalism of our farmers”, highlights the Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ricardo de Gouvêa.
Santa Catarina's soybean exports are growing at an accelerated pace and surpassing the national average. In January and February 2019, Santa Catarina increased shipments of soybean grain, bran and oil by 58%. In Brazil, this increase was 48% in the same period. The majority of Santa Catarina's soybean exports are destined for China. The Asian giant accounts for 80% of Santa Catarina's sales.
2018/19 harvest
The Santa Catarina soybean harvest should have a small decrease of 1.4%. Estimates point to a planted area of 662.6 thousand hectares and a harvest of 2.4 million tons
The average crop yield will be 3.6 tons/hectare – however, in the regions of Curitibanos, Campos Novos and Joaçaba, productivity is expected to exceed 4 tons/hectare.
Soybean production in Santa Catarina is concentrated in the regions of Xanxerê, Canoinhas and Curitibanos, including Campos Novos, which total 380 thousand hectares planted and account for more than 57% of the state's cultivated area.
Source: Notícias Agrícolas | Author: SC Agriculture Department
