The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) has forecast a 9.2% year-on-year rise for crop value in 2013, which is expected to hit BRL278.72 billion (US$119.75 billion).

The sharpest rises are expected for tomatoes and potatoes at rates of 88.2% and 46.9% respectively.

The world's biggest producer of orange juice is in for a 33% rise in value for the crop, while other products have also been forecast to rise including bananas (11.3%), soybeans (21.1%) and wheat (16.7%).

Favorable performance is also expected for rice, sugar cane, beans, cassava and maize, but with "lower percentages than before".

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) figures show strong year-on-year value rises for the month of October, 2013. Orange values jumped by 33%, onions were up 27% and banana incomes rose by 11.3%.

In terms of key export crops, apple income rose by 4% while grape values fell by 8%.

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