Brazilian agriculture: productivity and growth rates

Abstract

To evaluate the growth of the Brazilian agricultural sector, we estimated growth rates for production, area, exports, imports, consumption and productivity (when applicable), for cellulose, sugar, beef, pork and chicken, soybean grain, maize, cotton, rice, apple, grape, mango, and melon. Estimates of instantaneous (continuous capitalization) and generalized rates were performed, considering regression models and time series models, respectively. The best model was selected considering the minimization of the mean square error between observed and predicted values. The results show that production, productivity and exports of Brazilian agricultural and livestock products remain strong and expanding. This fact reinforces the understanding that, in addition to the already consolidated markets, the country has the potential to meet the needs of new markets for the Brazilian agricultural products.