Agriculture in Brazil

Agriculture in Brazil
Agricultural fields near Perdizes, Minas Gerais
Cultivated land	91.9 million ha (2022)[1]
Agricultural land (% of land area)	28.6% (2021)[2]
Rural population (% of total population)	12% (2022)[3]
Main products	Soybeans, corn, sugarcane, coffee, cotton, beef, poultry, pork, cocoa, fruits, açaí, brazil nuts, tobacco, sugar, organic honey, guaraná, cellulose, sisal fiber, ethanol
Production
Grains	322.8 million tons (2022)[4]
Major products
Cane and derivatives	630.7 million tons (2020)[5]
Soy	154.6 million tons (2022)[4]
Corn	131.9 million tons (2022)[4]
Participation in the economy
Crop value	R$830.1 billion (US$154.01 billion) (2022)[6]
Contribution to GDP	4.53% (2008)[7]
Agribusiness GDP (Rural industry and trade, livestock and agriculture)	26.46% (2008)[7]

The agriculture of Brazil is historically one of the principal bases of Brazil's economy. As of 2024 the country is the second biggest grain exporter in the world, with 19% of the international market share, and the fourth overall grain producer.^[8] Brazil is the world's largest exporter of many popular agriculture commodities like coffee, soybeans, corn, beef, poultry, sugarcane, açai berry, orange juice, yerba mate, cellulose, tobacco, and the second biggest exporter of pork, cotton, and ethanol. The country also has a significant presence as producer and exporter of rice, wheat, organic honey, eggs, sugar, cocoa, beans, nuts, cassava, and diverse fruits and vegetables.^[9]

The success of agriculture during the Estado Novo (New State), with Getúlio Vargas, led to the expression, "Brazil, breadbasket of the world".^[10]

The southern one-half to two-thirds of Brazil has a semi-temperate climate, higher rainfall, more fertile soil, more advanced technology and input use, adequate infrastructure and more experienced farmers. This region produces most of Brazil's grains, oilseeds, and exports.

The drought-ridden northeast region and Amazon basin lack well-distributed rainfall, good soil, adequate infrastructure and development capital. Although mostly occupied by subsistence farmers, both regions are increasingly important as exporters of forest products, cocoa and tropical fruits. Central Brazil contains substantial areas of grassland. Brazilian grasslands are far less fertile than those of North America, and are generally suited only for grazing.