Fruit crops grown in southeastern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

Fruit production is an important agricultural activity on southern coast of Santa Catarina State,
Brazil, where more than 11 thousand hectars are cultivated with fruit trees. The main fruits grown commercially are banana, passion fruit, grape, peach, plum, citrus and pineapple. The region has a suitable climate and soil type where tropical, subtropical and some temperate fruit species perform well. Farms are small and mostly use family labor. The potential for good economic returns to growers is high and at least equivalent to other alternate land uses. Sustainable production is dependent on a suitable growth environment, stable labor, a high demand
for the products and good prices for quality fruit. In this paper an analysis is given of the current status of local fruit production, and reasons are given for the variation in production levels and competitiveness. Comparisons are made with organic fruit production that has been practiced for a number of years by many local farmers.