Heavy rainfall and the withdrawal of most producers have led to a reduction in cassava grinding at starch plants for the second consecutive week, causing a decline in demand. Many plants have brought forward their end-of-year recess, resulting in a 20.6% weekly drop in cassava crushed, with an average idle capacity of 61%. This weakened demand has put downward pressure on cassava prices, but the nominal average forward price for a ton delivered to starch plants rose slightly by 0.11% compared to the previous week, to R$ 700.69 (R$ 1.2186/gram of starch). Compared to the same period last year, the price has appreciated by 12.9%, in real terms.