Plum harvest in southern Brazil remains strong despite hail losses

In southern Brazil’s Serra Gaúcha region, plum production in Caxias do Sul is expected to surpass 12,000 tonnes this season, even after hailstorms in November caused localized losses. The fruit, traditionally consumed during year-end celebrations and valued for its digestive and immune benefits, remains on track for a strong harvest.

According to a survey by the municipal office of Emater and the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, around 30 hectares were affected by hail, mainly in the Fazenda Souza area. The damaged land represents 4.27% of the municipality’s 701 hectares planted with plums, with estimated losses of R$ 2.1 million (≈ USD 380,000). Despite this, overall production is not expected to be significantly impacted.

Harvesting typically runs from December to late January. Caxias do Sul has 326 plum growers, including producers cultivating the widely planted Fortune variety, currently in its final ripening stage, and the later-harvest Letícia variety. While recent dry weather and poor flowering conditions earlier in the season have raised concerns, growers confirm that the crop remains viable.

Across the wider Serra Gaúcha, plum orchards cover approximately 1,800 hectares spread over 850 farms, with key producing municipalities including Antônio Prado, Campestre da Serra, Farroupilha, and Ipê. Fortune and Letícia remain the dominant varieties in the region.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: healthyfamilyproject.com