Brazil: Unprecedented floods in Rio Grande do Sul threaten Brazil's agricultural output

Brazil’s Southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul (RGDS), has been impacted by record high rainfall levels, reaching up to 800 millimeters in some regions, leading to unprecedented floods. The death toll reached 145 as of May 12th and nearly 620,000 people have been displaced. A major agricultural powerhouse, RGDS’s agricultural and livestock sectors have been severely impacted. While accurate projections are still unknown, market specialists estimate losses across such key commodities as soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, meat and dairy. Impacts on local food production and possible price spikes are particularly concerning for consumers and policymakers, particularly on rice and dairy products.