EU farming unions group Copa-Cogeca has released new EU-28 oilseeds and protein crop estimates for the 2014/15 marketing year that show a positive market outlook and good winter sowings.
The figues were revealed at Copa-Cogeca’s Oilseeds and Protein Crops Working Party meeting on Monday (March 31), where many member states reported a positive crop situation due to the mild winter this year and good winter sowings.
Although it is still very early on in the growing season, crops look in very good condition and Copa-Cogeca is expecting good production for the 2014 harvest. In particular, EU28 rapeseed production is predicted to stay at a high level close to 21 million tonnes, with an area increase of 1.7% compared to last year.
EU growers are, therefore, expected to provide a good harvest and sufficient rapeseed meal for EU livestock producers, which may alleviate the impact of possible cuts in production elsewhere.
The chairman of the working party, Gerard Tubery, welcomed the positive market outlook, and pointed out that the total EU28 oilseeds area was estimated to rise by 2.2% in 2014/15 compared to the previous year.
He also welcomed the move forward by the EU advisory group on cereals and oilseeds to set up a monitoring tool for EU28 protein and vegetable crops that will give a clearer picture of EU dependency on imports and also a better understanding of the market.