Profitability and Soil Benefits Drive Growth.
Over the past decade, canola (Rapeseed) cultivation in Brazil remained relatively stagnant, fluctuating between 30,000 and 45,000 hectares, with only occasional peaks. However, the last two years have marked a dramatic shift in this trend.
Canola, primarily grown in the southern region of the country—particularly in Rio Grande do Sul—has emerged as an excellent option for farmers during the winter season. Traditionally, winter crops like wheat and corn thrive in cold conditions, but canola has proven to be a valuable alternative. According to a survey by Emater-RS, the planted area in Rio Grande do Sul nearly doubled in just one year, jumping from 77,000 hectares in 2023 to a record 135,000 hectares in 2024.
The main drivers behind this expansion are profitability and the benefits canola offers to the soil as part of crop rotation systems. Canola plants have deep roots that help break up compacted soil, improving its structure and overall health.