Brazil introduces climate-risk zoning for processing tomatoes

Brazil has added processing tomatoes to its national agricultural climate-risk zoning program, giving growers new guidance on when to plant and how to reduce weather-related production losses. The measure was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA).

Planting guidance and financing

The rules, published under Ordinance No. 378, apply to irrigated tomatoes grown for industrial use, including the production of tomato paste, sauces and other processed products.

The zoning study identifies suitable planting periods in different municipalities based on local climate conditions, soil characteristics and the risk of unfavorable weather.

It also provides information used by financial institutions and insurers when assessing agricultural credit and insurance applications.

Processing sector in focus

Brazil produced 1.88 million tonnes of tomatoes for industrial processing in 2025. According to MAPA, processing accounts for approximately 40% of the country's tomato production, while the remaining 60% is intended for fresh consumption.

The new zoning rules focus specifically on processing tomatoes because production methods are relatively standardized, with irrigation, hybrid varieties and mechanized harvesting widely used.

Fresh-market tomatoes are not covered by the new zoning study and remain subject to existing rural credit rules for crops without an approved climate-risk zoning assessment.

source and photo: gov.br