Yerba mate: Labor Shortage Drives Up Harvest Costs

The Emater/RS-Ascar Conjunctural Report, released on Thursday (17), indicated that yerba mate cultivation continues in the administrative region of Frederico Westphalen, despite rainfall deficiencies recorded in July. According to the bulletin, harvesting and storage of the crop are proceeding normally. However, export rates are slower due to instability in the international market. In Emater's assessment, yerba mate leaves intended for chimarrão have been sold between R$ 18.00 and R$ 20.00 per arroba, delivered to the industry. For export and tererê production, values are around R$ 16.00 per arroba. Yerba mate seedlings are sold for R$ 2.80 per unit. In the Passo Fundo region, stable weather allowed the resumption of harvesting and replenishment of raw material stocks. Prices in the region vary from R$ 17.00 to R$ 20.00 per arroba, depending on the municipality, variety, and processing system. In Machadinho, common yerba mate was traded at R$ 18.00, while the Cambona 4 variety ...