New Copa and Cogeca figures predict a promising EU cereals harvest this year due to favourable weather conditions but grain prices remain low whilst the EU rapeseed harvest is expected to be down, partly as a result of the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban
The move came at Copa and Cogecas’ Cereals and Oilseeds Working Parties. Chairman of the Cereals Working Party Max Schulman said “Latest figures predict another good EU-28 cereals harvest this year with production up 1.4% to reach 309 million tonnes, compared to 304 mt last year, mainly due to favourable weather conditions in many countries. But grain prices remain low, leaving farmers with serious cash flow problems which is exacerbated by late Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments. This cash flow problem could deteriorate even further with oversupply on the market and farmers having to release cereals on the market to improve the quality of the new crop”.
Chairman of Copa and Cogeca oilseeds working party Arnaud ROUSSEAU meanwhile insisted “This years’ EU-28 oilseeds harvest is expected to be quite stable seeing a slight 0.6% drop to reach 31 mt but rapeseed production is down 2.6%, with a sharp 14% drop in the area planted seen in the UK, mainly as a result of the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban. The sector is in serious danger and the ban must be removed as long as no alternatives exist”.
“But there is some good news in the EU protein crop sector with forecasts showing a big rise in protein crop production partly due to the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and greening requirements. This is good news for the EU livestock sector and feed industry. Protein crop production could be expanded further. It is an economic opportunity and we are looking to collaborate with other economic stakeholders to turn greening into green growth”, he concluded.
