The pineapple sector was also impacted by a decrease in the amount of producers as nearly 3,000 to 3,500 hectares were in the hands of about 500 small producers. According to the Canapep, these producers had to leave the activity because they could not sustain production costs and because the exchange rate affected them.
"The exchange rate has had a big influence on the export sector. It contributed greatly to decrease the small farmers' competitiveness with the production they were having," said Chaves.
Despite the reduction in exports, Chaves said, consumer preferences remain the same in major markets, which are represented by North America with 52% and Europe with 48%. Pineapple producers believe that the situation won't change much in 2016 because the first and second harvests will be affected by all the same issues that affected them in 2015. The sector is currently working 40,000 hectares.
"We continue to work the same area. The latest census made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) indicated that there were 38,000 hectares but we estimate there are actually 40,000 hectares currently in production, with 550 producers of fresh pineapple that generate about 27 direct jobs," said Chaves.
