Brazil: Extreme weather impacts onion quality and marketing

Onion producers in the Northeast and South regions of Brazil are facing significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions this November. Concerns are concentrated in Irecê (BA), Vale do São Francisco (PE/BA) and Baraúna (RN) in the Northeast, and in Ituporanga (SC), Guarapuava and Irati (PR) in the South. The intense heat in the markets of Irecê (BA), Vale do São Francisco (PE/BA) and Baraúna (RN) is putting northeastern onion producers on alert. Collaborators consulted by the Hortifrúti/Cepea team highlight the increase in pests and the reduction in the size of the bulbs. These challenges directly impact the production and quality of the final product. Meanwhile, in the south of the country, intense rains are causing problems for producers. In Ituporanga (SC), rainfall prevented any management in the fields during a crucial week (13 to 17/11). When harvesting was possible, marketing faced challenges as the quality of the onions was compromised, and curing time increased ...