World Agrochemical Network reported: Recently, Brazil suffered a series of extreme weather events, the country's agriculture has a serious impact. Brazil's National Union of Municipalities (CNM) latest survey report shows that this year, Brazil's agricultural losses have amounted to 6.7 billion reais (about 1.37 billion U.S. dollars), and this figure may continue to climb.
The climatic catastrophe that struck the state of Rio Grande brought 5.4 billion reais in losses to the local agricultural industry. Drought-related losses in the northern region amounted to nearly R$1.3 billion, a figure that is expected to rise as the situation continues to deteriorate. Brazil's National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN) noted that parts of the Amazon have been in drought for a year. While large agricultural producers have been able to mitigate the effects of the drought, numerous small-scale producers lack the necessary technical support and energy supplies and face greater challenges.
The Pantanal region, while not directly mentioned in the CNM report, has also been hit by a combination of drought and fire. Mato Grosso do Sul has already seen 1.2 million hectares engulfed by fire this year, including pastures and infrastructure. The drought has also led to a reduction in cattle feed, and the vice-president of the Brazilian Trade Union of Allied Workers (SICADEMS) has indicated that he may consider reducing the number of slaughters this year.
Soybean production, Brazil's main export, has not been spared. A number of important soybean-producing regions faced serious challenges during the last harvest season due to weather problems. High temperatures and drought severely affected seed quality and availability, which could impact next season's harvest.
Moreover, agricultural losses due to extreme weather are not unique to Brazil. European agriculture faces similar challenges. Farmers from Poland to the United Kingdom are concerned about the unusually wet spring and chaotic summer weather conditions this year. Southern Europe is experiencing another round of severe drought, which is expected to lead to a 10% drop in apple production in the European Union, strawberry prices in some areas, Italy is facing a shortage of raw materials for olive oil production.
Senior analysts at Rabobank said it was difficult to assess the long-term impact of extreme weather on the roots of fruit trees, but it was likely to affect next year's harvest.
