Deadly storm had minimal impact on Brazil's fresh produce sector

The fresh produce sector in Brazil is relieved that the heavy rains that led to this past weekend's deadly landslides and mudslides, mainly in the North of the country, has not had a damaging impact on crops. Some sweet potatoes, melons and mango fields have been affected, producers and exporters say, but with minimal impact thus far.

Photos supplied by Government of the State of Espírito Santo.

Emergency services scrambled over the weekend to rescue people from flooded homes. The death toll is standing at 27. Towns around Mimoso do Sul, which is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo were heavily affected by the landslides and mudslides. On Saturday, 23 March, 2024, the governor of Espírito Santo, Renato Casagrande, declared an Emergency Situation as a result of the heavy rains that hit the southern region of the state since Friday night, 22 March. Rescue efforts are underway with about 5,000 people affected. These storms follow after the state of Rio De Janiero has also seen deadly landslides following heavy rain early in February.

An exporter noted: "For the sweet potatoes we had a problem this past weekend, but nothing to worry about."

Lime producers in other parts of the country have seen heavy rains that might cause quality issues later in the season they say. "We are in a week of holidays and rain, which will further reduce exports," notes one exporter.

Another limes exported noted, "The floods and mudslides is happening in the north of Brazil. We also have problems with the heavy rains, but it is nothing compared to what is happening in the north of the country. The rains directly impacts the productivity and it brings together a higher risk of quality problems."

For more information: Government of the State of Espírito Santo Tel: +55 (27) 3636-1024