New Copa and Cogeca figures show good EU cereal plantings due to good weather conditions but grain prices low whilst EU rapeseed area down partly due to 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 show good EU-28 cereals plantings this year with production up 1.4% to reach 309 million tonnes, compared to 304 mtlast year, mainly due to favourableweather 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 buy inputs to improve the quality of the new crops.
“Grain prices are rock-bottom and do not even cover production costs, leaving farmers with serious cash flow problems and potential increase of fallow land”.
Chairman of Copa and Cogeca oilseeds working party Arnaud ROUSSEAU meanwhile insisted ”This years’ EU-28 oilseeds sowing area declined by -2.6% and is still uncertain due to a winter kill possibility. 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 credible alternatives exist”.
“But there is some good news in the EU protein crop sector with forecasts showing a potential high 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.
